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 transformation starts to take shape practically overnight, with warm autumn banners traded out for festive green garlands. Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 2 Nov. 2024 As time progressed, a parenting and business-owner philosophy took shape for Chris. Ed Flores, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 The effort to curb the disease took shape in the 1920s when the country prevented the cultivation of rice and other crops near houses. Devika Rao, theweek, 31 Oct. 2024 In her third year at school, her current project — which brings fashion's most fun trends to assistive medical devices — began to take shape. Angela Andaloro, People.com, 28 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 22 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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