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.
For Ullrich, Plus Rides has been taking shape for years. Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2025 From his early days at a dentistry company to discovering his passion for whisky as a chemist at William Grant & Sons, Kinsman’s career took shape under the mentorship of the legendary David Stewart. Noel Burgess, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025 The 130,000-square-foot complex is taking shape in Chandler Park on the city's east side. Jc Reindl, Detroit Free Press, 3 Jan. 2025 The race to replace Board Chair Nora Vargas on the county board of supervisors is taking shape. Andrew Keatts, Axios, 2 Jan. 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

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 15 Jan. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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