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

Available both online and in-store (though good luck finding them on shelves), Fine’ry consists of over a dozen scents and, according to TikTokers, each one smells like a designer dupe. —Julia Guerra, StyleCaster, 28 Oct. 2024

Underscoring and helping to drive the Yankees’ domination on retail shelves and airwaves has been the proliferation of the team’s iconic logo in the cultural zeitgeist, from Jay-Z’s ball cap to a partnership with Gucci. —Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2024

Dedicate one more bin for more obscure items, like fabric tablecloths and duvet covers, that tend to get misplaced amongst other linens on closet shelves. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Oct. 2024

One of the suite’s most stylish features is its 800-square-foot, boutique-like closet with ample backlit shelf space lining the room beneath eye-catching woodwork. —Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 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
• 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