take shape

idiomatic phrase

: to assume a definite or distinctive form : to develop and become apparent or established
The plan is finally taking shape.
Edison's tireless work habits took shape during his childhood …Paul Gray
The proto-planetary fragments crashed together, coalesced by gravity, and crashed again into other fragments, until they gradually took shape as the planets we know today.M. Mitchell Waldrop
… the first half of the century, before the modern medical system took shape.Geoffrey Cowley

Examples of take shape in a Sentence

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.
As the cloud wave started to take shape, ARR started to get a little funkier. Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2025 Tell us about when this album first started taking shape. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2025 After a roller-coaster ride of a season so far, the bullpen hierarchy might be taking shape with trade deadline acquisition David Bednar emerging as the likely postseason closer. Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025 Guidelines will also take shape, as Triple-A El Paso manager Pete Zamora said in spring training that his catchers were in charge of challenges. Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for take shape

Word History

First Known Use

1560, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of take shape was in 1560

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Cite this Entry

“Take shape.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20shape. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.

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