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 Carolina Panthers’ offseason plan will begin to take shape over the next few weeks, as the 2025 NFL Draft process will hit its first two notable stops on the calendar with the major college all-star games. Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 23 Jan. 2025 Though the city maintains that the LAFD actually received $80 million more than 2023-24 — thanks to money allocated outside the department budget — a narrative began to take shape: Budget cuts made these fires worse, and these two women leading the response should take the blame. Dua Anjum, Rolling Stone, 22 Jan. 2025 New Cabinet begins to take shape Once his presidency became official, Trump could formally nominate members of his Cabinet. Riley Beggin, USA TODAY, 21 Jan. 2025 The Dodgers currently have a huge presence in Japan, which began to take shape under O’Malley. Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 21 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 28 Jan. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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