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
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
The shelves are stocked, and that wasn’t the case when the Bears drafted Justin Fields.
—
Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2024
Given all the trophies on her shelf (she’s won two Tonys and two Emmys), Neuwirth doesn’t often have to audition — in fact, some actors with bigger egos would find the ask insulting.
—Gordon Cox, Variety, 26 Apr. 2024
As a result, this offseason’s focus has been on finding their replacements, restocking the shelves.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 25 Apr. 2024
National Geographic magazines line the wooden shelves in front of the order counter.
—Shannon Greene, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2024
In this video, STAT explains what is known about the safety of milk on grocery shelves.
—Alex Hogan Reprints, STAT, 24 Apr. 2024
And, hitting shelves Tuesday, novelist Amy Tan in The Backyard Bird Chronicles tightens the focus in describing and drawing the array of birds that visit her yard in California.
—Barbara J. King, NPR, 22 Apr. 2024
Keeping shelves stocked with what consumers want Keeping customers at the heart of their operation is a key to the success of Rainbow Blossom.
—Matthew Glowicki, The Courier-Journal, 16 Apr. 2024
The centerpiece is an inviting bar, backed by a towering nine shelves of liquor.
—Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 16 Apr. 2024
Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2024
Given all the trophies on her shelf (she’s won two Tonys and two Emmys), Neuwirth doesn’t often have to audition — in fact, some actors with bigger egos would find the ask insulting.
—Gordon Cox, Variety, 26 Apr. 2024
As a result, this offseason’s focus has been on finding their replacements, restocking the shelves.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 25 Apr. 2024
National Geographic magazines line the wooden shelves in front of the order counter.
—Shannon Greene, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2024
In this video, STAT explains what is known about the safety of milk on grocery shelves.
—Alex Hogan Reprints, STAT, 24 Apr. 2024
And, hitting shelves Tuesday, novelist Amy Tan in The Backyard Bird Chronicles tightens the focus in describing and drawing the array of birds that visit her yard in California.
—Barbara J. King, NPR, 22 Apr. 2024
Keeping shelves stocked with what consumers want Keeping customers at the heart of their operation is a key to the success of Rainbow Blossom.
—Matthew Glowicki, The Courier-Journal, 16 Apr. 2024
The centerpiece is an inviting bar, backed by a towering nine shelves of liquor.
—Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 16 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'shelf.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near shelf
Cite this Entry
“Shelf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shelf. Accessed 1 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
shelf
noun
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
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