take shape
idiomatic phrase
: to assume a definite or distinctive form : to develop and become apparent or established
The plan is finally taking shape.
Edison's tireless work habits took shape during his childhood …—
Paul Gray
Paul GrayThe proto-planetary fragments crashed together, coalesced by gravity, and crashed again into other fragments, until they gradually took shape as the planets we know today.—M. Mitchell Waldrop
M. Mitchell Waldrop… the first half of the century, before the modern medical system took shape.—Geoffrey Cowley
Geoffrey CowleyExamples of take shape in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Unlikely candidate Haynes’ path from the pulpit to the stump took shape during debate over last summer’s redistricting plan.
—Gromer Jeffers Jr, Dallas Morning News, 12 Jan. 2026
The grocery store is taking shape next door to Rosco’s and Project Social.
—Samantha Gowen, Oc Register, 12 Jan. 2026
Wave sign goalie, trade defender The San Diego Wave added a goalkeeper and traded away a defender on Monday as its 2026 roster continued to take shape.
—Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026
Even with years of memories, the Arnold family is making new ones as new buildings take shape with the Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Livestock Center.
—Kennedy Cook, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for take shape
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Gromer Jeffers Jr, Dallas Morning News, 12 Jan. 2026
The grocery store is taking shape next door to Rosco’s and Project Social.
—Samantha Gowen, Oc Register, 12 Jan. 2026
Wave sign goalie, trade defender The San Diego Wave added a goalkeeper and traded away a defender on Monday as its 2026 roster continued to take shape.
—Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026
Even with years of memories, the Arnold family is making new ones as new buildings take shape with the Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Livestock Center.
—Kennedy Cook, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for take shape
Cite this Entry
“Take shape.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20shape. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.
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