shelves; shelved; shelving
1
: to put (something) on a shelf
He shelved the books/products.
The books were shelved according to category.
2
: to stop doing or thinking about (something) for a period of time
The idea/plan/project was shelved.
3
US
: to make (someone) unable to play or perform
—usually used as (be) shelved
He was shelved by injury last year. [=he was unable to play because he was injured]
Cite this Entry
“Shelve.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/shelve. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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