shaped; shaping
3
: to adapt in shape so as to fit neatly and closely
a dress shaped to her figure
5
a
: to make fit for (a particular use, purpose, etc.) : adapt
shape the questions to fit the answers
b
: to determine or direct the course or character of
events that shaped history
c
: to modify (behavior) by rewarding changes that tend toward a desired response
1
: to come to pass : happen
it's shaping up that I am known now for my husbands—
Leslie Marmon Silko
Leslie Marmon Silko2
: to take on or approach a mature or definite form
—often used with up
the summer is shaping up to be one of the hottest on record
shaper
noun
plural shapes
1
a
: the visible makeup characteristic of a particular item or kind of item
a cake in the shape of a Christmas tree
b(1)
: spatial form or contour
the clouds kept changing shape
(2)
: a standard or universally recognized spatial form
a stain in the shape of a perfect circle
2
: the appearance of the body as distinguished from that of the face : figure
3
a
: phantom, apparition
eerie shapes floating in the mist
b
: assumed appearance : guise
a trick-or-treater in the shape of a pumpkin
4
: form of embodiment
The plan is starting to come into shape.
see also take shape
5
: a mode of existence or form of being having identifying features
6
: a molded dessert
especially
: blancmange
7
: the condition in which someone or something exists at a particular time
the car was in fine shape
Synonyms
Examples of shape in a Sentence
Verb
The artist shaped the stone with a hammer and chisel.
Schools shape the minds of future leaders.
Ads help shape public opinion.
Noun
circles, squares, triangles, and other geometric shapes
The cake has a rectangular shape.
The pieces came in many different sizes and shapes.
The pieces were sorted by size and shape.
The cloud kept changing shape.
The cake was rectangular in shape.
I need to start exercising and get back in shape.
I'm out of shape because I haven't been exercising.
The players were in poor condition, but the coach quickly whipped them into shape.
She stays in shape by exercising daily and eating well.
Recent Examples on the WebSharon Goldman, Fortune, 18 Apr. 2024
Raw and sometimes humorous, the audience learns more about Donny and the complexities and events that have shaped his humanity.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 18 Apr. 2024
Though there’s still much to learn, the research suggests that to some extent, navigation skills are shaped by upbringing.
—Bob Holmes, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Apr. 2024
Collaborations between brands and athletes are crucial in shaping a future where representation, style, and self-care are celebrated as integral components of athletic excellence.
—Devine Blacksher, Essence, 18 Apr. 2024
By Mellody Hobson April 17, 2024 7:01 AM EDT
Satya Nadella is profoundly influential in shaping our future.
—Mellody Hobson, TIME, 17 Apr. 2024
The next large room is filled with art and furniture, including the bishop’s chair, carved from redwood with armrests shaped like an owl (wisdom) and lion (strength).
—John Metcalfe, The Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2024
And if so, Laura Ingalls shaped your life in a way that’s hard to articulate, but easy to feel.
—Laura Trujillo, USA TODAY, 17 Apr. 2024
However, Lloyd is also bullish about the need for book trade leaders to proactively embrace and shape AI.
—Molly Flatt, Fortune Europe, 17 Apr. 2024
Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 19 Apr. 2024
But while technologies like artificial intelligence may displace some human roles in the finance sector, Dimon said there will always be a need for banking in some shape or form.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 18 Apr. 2024
In addition, citronella plants grown as perennials (in zones 9-11) may benefit from occasional pruning to maintain a pleasing shape.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Apr. 2024
By analyzing the size ratios of various parts of the vertebrae and the fossils unique shapes and protrusions, Bajpai and his co-researcher established the remains were that of a new species in the extinct family of Madtsoiidae, which were primitive snakes similar to boas and pythons.
—Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 18 Apr. 2024
The new species was identified by its eyes, body shape, appendages, coloring, habitat and other subtle physical features, the study said.
—Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 17 Apr. 2024
There are various types and shapes of electric razors available on the market.
—Larry Stansbury, Essence, 16 Apr. 2024
Customized options for a better fit (like adjustable straps or removable insoles) were also taken into consideration, since feet can swell or change shape during pregnancy.
—Jessica Booth, Parents, 5 Apr. 2024
To do this, fold the larger scarf into a narrow shape and wrap it around your neck until only two small ends remain.
—Jana Ackermann, Glamour, 5 Apr. 2024
Verb
Subscribe to the Eye on AI newsletter to stay abreast of how AI is shaping the future of business.
—Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 18 Apr. 2024
Raw and sometimes humorous, the audience learns more about Donny and the complexities and events that have shaped his humanity.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 18 Apr. 2024
Though there’s still much to learn, the research suggests that to some extent, navigation skills are shaped by upbringing.
—Bob Holmes, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Apr. 2024
Collaborations between brands and athletes are crucial in shaping a future where representation, style, and self-care are celebrated as integral components of athletic excellence.
—Devine Blacksher, Essence, 18 Apr. 2024
By Mellody Hobson April 17, 2024 7:01 AM EDT
Satya Nadella is profoundly influential in shaping our future.
—Mellody Hobson, TIME, 17 Apr. 2024
The next large room is filled with art and furniture, including the bishop’s chair, carved from redwood with armrests shaped like an owl (wisdom) and lion (strength).
—John Metcalfe, The Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2024
And if so, Laura Ingalls shaped your life in a way that’s hard to articulate, but easy to feel.
—Laura Trujillo, USA TODAY, 17 Apr. 2024
However, Lloyd is also bullish about the need for book trade leaders to proactively embrace and shape AI.
—Molly Flatt, Fortune Europe, 17 Apr. 2024
Noun
This one from Amazon features a compact carrying case with eight different tools to keep nails in tip-top shape.
—Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 19 Apr. 2024
But while technologies like artificial intelligence may displace some human roles in the finance sector, Dimon said there will always be a need for banking in some shape or form.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 18 Apr. 2024
In addition, citronella plants grown as perennials (in zones 9-11) may benefit from occasional pruning to maintain a pleasing shape.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Apr. 2024
By analyzing the size ratios of various parts of the vertebrae and the fossils unique shapes and protrusions, Bajpai and his co-researcher established the remains were that of a new species in the extinct family of Madtsoiidae, which were primitive snakes similar to boas and pythons.
—Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 18 Apr. 2024
The new species was identified by its eyes, body shape, appendages, coloring, habitat and other subtle physical features, the study said.
—Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 17 Apr. 2024
There are various types and shapes of electric razors available on the market.
—Larry Stansbury, Essence, 16 Apr. 2024
Customized options for a better fit (like adjustable straps or removable insoles) were also taken into consideration, since feet can swell or change shape during pregnancy.
—Jessica Booth, Parents, 5 Apr. 2024
To do this, fold the larger scarf into a narrow shape and wrap it around your neck until only two small ends remain.
—Jana Ackermann, Glamour, 5 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'shape.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Shape.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shape. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
shape
1 of 2 verb
shaped; shaping
1
: to give a certain form or shape to
shape the dough into loaves
2
: to change in shape so as to fit neatly and closely
a hat shaped close to the head
3
4
: to make fit especially for some purpose
shaping the minds of future leaders
5
: to take on or approach a definite form
—often used with up
shaper
noun
shape
2 of 2 noun1
: outward appearance : form
the shape of a pearl
2
: the outline of a body : figure
a square shape
3
: definite form and arrangement
a plan now taking shape
4
: something having a certain form
5
: the condition in which something or someone is at a certain time
the car was in poor shape
Medical Definition
shape
transitive verb
shaped; shaping
: to modify (behavior) by rewarding changes that tend toward a desired response
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