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.
Following the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, preparations for the conclave began to take shape, as cardinals from around the world made their way to Rome. Callum Sutherland, Time, 8 May 2025 Also this year, a special tribute to late music producer Quincy Jones will take shape in the form of two film screenings on two separate nights. Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 7 May 2025 Last month, Giles Pendleton, Chief Operating Officer for The Line, released new on-site photos showing ground infrastructure visibly taking shape. Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 May 2025 Trump also expressed impatience with those asking him about the status of trade deals that his administration says are taking shape in private with numerous countries. Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 6 May 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

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Cite this Entry

“Take shape.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20shape. Accessed 18 May. 2025.

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