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.
The future of the music industry is taking shape in this interconnectedness. Anto Dotcom, Rolling Stone, 4 Nov. 2024 This vision is taking shape today through a new wave of decentralized AI projects. Tonya Evans, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 The University of Akron's $7.1 million workforce initiative for the sustainable polymers industry is just taking shape, but some students are already well on their way to filling jobs. Maria Curi, Axios, 29 Oct. 2024 How the McDonald's Halloween 'Boo Buckets' Have Evolved Since the 1980s Modern-day Halloween fully took shape in the United States with many communities organizing group trick-or-treating in the early 20th century. Aaron Mahnke, People.com, 27 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near take shape

Cite this Entry

“Take shape.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20shape. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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