: available as a stock item : not specially designed or custom-made
off-the-shelf software

Examples of off-the-shelf in a Sentence

she chose to have her computer designed to her specifications rather than buying an off-the-shelf machine
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.
To define system requirements and award a contract typically spans well over two years, meanwhile today’s space systems and services are readily available and made from off-the-shelf componentry. Charles Beames, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024 Fortunately, businesses don’t need to start from scratch or rely on limited off-the-shelf solutions. Yuriy Gnatyuk, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024 The Woods Hole underwater acoustic system includes off-the-shelf components in a watertight Pelican case. IEEE Spectrum, 20 Nov. 2024 The Digital Divas guide suggests using a series of off-the-shelf tools that are widely known among people who make AI art. Jason Koebler, WIRED, 20 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for off-the-shelf 

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of off-the-shelf was in 1950

Dictionary Entries Near off-the-shelf

Cite this Entry

“Off-the-shelf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/off-the-shelf. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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