shape

1 of 2

verb

shaped; shaping

transitive verb

1
: form, create
especially : to give a particular form or shape to
2
obsolete : ordain, decree
3
: to adapt in shape so as to fit neatly and closely
a dress shaped to her figure
4
a
: devise, plan
shape a policy
b
: to embody in definite form
shaping a folktale into an epic
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

intransitive verb

1
: to come to pass : happen
it's shaping up that I am known now for my husbandsLeslie Marmon Silko
2
: 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

shape

2 of 2

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
shaped adjective
Phrases
in shape
: in an original, normal, or fit condition
exercises to keep in shape

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 Web
Verb
Instead of its tall signs shaped like triplet leaves, a navy sign for Midwest Tinting sits out front. Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 25 Mar. 2024 Subscribe to the Eye on AI newsletter to stay abreast of how AI is shaping the future of business. Bychris Morris, Fortune, 25 Mar. 2024 But over the decades to come, the 10-track LP would end up shaping successive generations of emo and pop-punk acts on its way to triple-platinum certification and a spot on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2024 If economics directly shaped politics, people like Maria Rivadeneyra would have allied themselves with the natives against the Spanish. Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2024 In the grand tapestry of leadership, Bobbi Vargas has woven the same narrative that transcends the conventional, marking her not just as a leader but as a visionary shaping the future of health, beauty, and entrepreneurial journey. Maria Williams, USA TODAY, 24 Mar. 2024 Two friends, both young climate researchers, recently spent hours confronting the choices that will shape their careers, and the world. Daryln Brewer Hoffstot Kristian Thacker, New York Times, 23 Mar. 2024 Three magic words likely to shape the next chapter of the Dodgers’ storied history. Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2024 In The Fall Guy, inspired by the 1980s TV series of the same name and written by Drew Pearce (Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, Hotel Artemis), Leitch uses his personal experience to shape a compelling ode to the craft that started his career. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Mar. 2024
Noun
The shape of the bracelet has been used at Cartier since the 1930s. Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 14 Mar. 2024 To find the best plus size jeans, Jessie consulted with top style and denim experts Kam Throckmorton, Samantha Brown, and Swati Kelkar to learn more about what to look for in a pair of plus size jeans and learn more about important factors like stretch, leg shape, and rise. Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 13 Mar. 2024 Some of them are surprisingly charismatic in shape, resembling miniature forms of common objects that range from a boot to a boat. Sabrina Sholts, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Mar. 2024 The Evolv devices are meant to only pick up some metal objects and are mostly screening for certain shapes and density, Lemond said. Caroline Beck, The Indianapolis Star, 12 Mar. 2024 Block said air crews have been training in simulators to stay current, and Marines maintenance crews have continued to ensure the aircraft are in top shape. Erika I. Ritchie, Orange County Register, 12 Mar. 2024 Tripod appears to be healthy and in good shape, with a bright, lush coat and no signs of infections or problems, said Vamstad. Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2024 Leakage protection will come down to factors like the shape of the diaper’s front and back, flexibility and security around the leg openings, adhesives, and where the absorbent materials are located. Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 10 Mar. 2024 Irregular galaxies do not have a clear shape or structure. Dean Regas, The Enquirer, 2 Mar. 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.

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Old English sceapen, gescapen, past participle of scieppan; akin to Old High German skepfen to shape

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of shape was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near shape

Cite this Entry

“Shape.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shape. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids 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 noun
1
: 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
shaped adjective

Medical Definition

shape

transitive verb
shaped; shaping
: to modify (behavior) by rewarding changes that tend toward a desired response

More from Merriam-Webster on shape

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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