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
And in a secure location, away from the prying eyes of airport workers and visitors, the skeletal construction of a base of operations for a new international force is taking shape.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 17 May 2024
The crispy brown lines of dust seen in the image probably took shape due to the merger, according to a NASA release.
—Isaac Schultz / Gizmodo, Quartz, 17 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for take shape 
Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 17 May 2024
The crispy brown lines of dust seen in the image probably took shape due to the merger, according to a NASA release.
—Isaac Schultz / Gizmodo, Quartz, 17 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for take shape
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'take shape.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near take shape
Cite this Entry
“Take shape.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20shape. Accessed 31 May. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share