shelf

noun

plural shelves ˈshelvz How to pronounce shelf (audio)
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 noun
shelflike 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And nothing on the wooden hangers, nothing on the shelves in the closet or on the floor. Joyce Carol Oates, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2025 Some scents are too intricate to stay on the shelves for long. Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 15 Mar. 2025 The new flavors will roll out on natural retailer shelves later in 2025, when the brand will hit total 10 varieties. Andrew Watman, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025 Room 281 has a single, conspicuous book on its many shelves, titled With Faith and Good Will: 150 Years of Canada-U.S. Friendship. Chris Jones, The Atlantic, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shelf

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of shelf was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shelf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shelf. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

shelf

noun
plural shelves ˈshelvz How to pronounce shelf (audio)
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 adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on shelf

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