shelf

noun

ˈshelf 

plural shelves ˈshelvz 

1

a

: a thin flat usually long and narrow piece of material (such as wood) fastened horizontally (as on a wall) at a distance from the floor to hold objects

b

: one of several similar pieces in a closet, bookcase, or similar structure

c

: the contents of a shelf

the author of a shelf of bestsellers

2

: something resembling a shelf in form or position: such as

a

: a sandbank or ledge of rocks usually partially submerged

b

: a flat projecting layer of rock

c

: the submerged gradually sloping border of a continent or island : continental shelf

shelfful

ˈshelf-ˌfu̇l 

noun

shelflike

ˈshelf-ˌlīk 

adjective

Phrases

off the shelf

: available from stock : not made to order

off the shelf equipment

on the shelf

: in a state of inactivity or uselessness

Examples of shelf in a Sentence

Put the vase on the shelf.

the top shelf of the kitchen cabinet

Will you get that book down off the shelf?

We don't have much shelf space.

Recent Examples on the Web

This multi-functional organization rack is equipped with four shelves for shoes, purses, and accessories, along with a spacious rack that can hold up to 121 pounds of clothes. —Tiana Randall, Architectural Digest, 27 June 2024

Taking to Instagram on Wednesday (June 26), the Queen of Hip-Hop soul revealed the over-the-knee, rose gold boot can be purchased by fans who missed out on the first drop that cleared shelves in one day. —Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 27 June 2024

Most have extra features that make prepping, grilling and serving food easier, such as shelves and spots to hang utensils. —Bestreviews, Sun Sentinel, 27 June 2024

Bees work overtime to produce the honey that lines the shelves of your local supermarket. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 26 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, probably from Old English scylfe; akin to Old Norse hlīthskjalf Odin's seat

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing shelf

• continental shelf
• ice shelf
• off the shelf
• on the shelf
• shelf fungus
• shelf ice
• shelf life
• shelf-stable
• sulfur shelf
• top-shelf

Kids Definition

shelf

noun

ˈshelf 

plural shelves ˈshelvz 

1

: a flat piece (as of wood or metal) set parallel to and above a floor (as on a wall or in a bookcase) to hold objects

2

: something (as a sandbar or ledge of rock) that suggests a shelf

shelflike

ˈshel-ˌflīk 

adjective