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

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

Store shelves were mostly bare and the fresh fruit bins almost empty. —Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2024

Barbie merchandise has been flying off the shelf since the movie’s release in July 2023. —Kate Krader, Fortune, 15 Apr. 2024

The books lining the shelves were either bought from Goodwill or, to his wife's dismay, carted in from their home library. —The Arizona Republic, 14 Apr. 2024

Visitors with an open mind will thrive here among the shelves, finding a wide variety of categories. —Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2024

Starting Friday, visitors will find baguettes and sweet potato Pullman loaves showcased on shelves behind the register, while pastries — flaky escargots stuffed with ramps and Cantal cheese, shiny canelés — await on silver trays. —Devorah Lev-Tov Kin Woo Ella Riley-Adams Jameson Montgomery Kurt Soller Megan O’Sullivan, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2024

At about 5 by 5 inches, the plants are perfect for decorating end tables, night stands, and shelves, too. —Lauren Taylor, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Apr. 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