shelf

noun

plural shelves ˈshelvz How to pronounce shelf (audio)
1
a
: a thin flat usually long and narrow piece of material (such as wood) fastened horizontally (as on a wall) at a distance from the floor to hold objects
b
: one of several similar pieces in a closet, bookcase, or similar structure
c
: the contents of a shelf
the author of a shelf of bestsellers
2
: something resembling a shelf in form or position: such as
a
: a sandbank or ledge of rocks usually partially submerged
b
: a flat projecting layer of rock
c
: the submerged gradually sloping border of a continent or island : continental shelf
shelfful noun
shelflike adjective
Phrases
off the shelf
: available from stock : not made to order
off the shelf equipment
on the shelf
: in a state of inactivity or uselessness

Examples of shelf in a Sentence

Put the vase on the shelf. the top shelf of the kitchen cabinet Will you get that book down off the shelf? We don't have much shelf space.
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.
And while these have long since been removed from Costco store shelves, there is concern that customers have them in their freezers and are unaware of the danger. Rebecca Angel Baer, Southern Living, 27 Jan. 2025 The rapper born Jeffrey Bruce Atkins was all over the place, promoting his spanking new Amber & Opal, a top shelf honey botanical whiskey. Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 27 Jan. 2025 Warner really was an underdog: he was cut by the Green Bay Packers, and then stocked shelves at a Hy-Vee grocery store, before taking a circuitous route back to the N.F.L. Warner pointed to the distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2025 Since going viral, Popp said, the bakery’s been unable to keep anything on the shelves for very long. Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for shelf 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, probably from Old English scylfe; akin to Old Norse hlīthskjalf Odin's seat

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of shelf was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near shelf

Cite this Entry

“Shelf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shelf. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

shelf

noun
plural shelves ˈshelvz How to pronounce shelf (audio)
1
: a flat piece (as of wood or metal) set parallel to and above a floor (as on a wall or in a bookcase) to hold objects
2
: something (as a sandbar or ledge of rock) that suggests a shelf
shelflike adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on shelf

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