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 idea for the Liddle Speaker took shape during the pandemic. Brendel Hightower, Detroit Free Press, 10 Dec. 2024 As the Omnibus Simplification Package takes shape, the 25% reduction goal has been a recurring theme, although not directly stated. Jon McGowan, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024 Some industry groups are hoping for immigration reform as the new administration takes shape. Kate Rogers, CNBC, 9 Dec. 2024 But as his second administration takes shape, some are sounding the alarm regarding Trump’s picks to lead major public health agencies, concerned that the nominees’ skepticism, if not hostility, toward vaccines could jeopardize the nation’s ability to respond to new or resurgent infectious threats. Rong-Gong Lin Ii, Los Angeles Times, 8 Dec. 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 15 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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