shelf-stable

adjective

shelf-sta·​ble ˈshelf-ˌstā-bəl How to pronounce shelf-stable (audio)
: processed or packaged to withstand prolonged storage without refrigeration
All the rage in Europe and Latin America, boxed shelf-stable milk has yet to catch on with U.S. consumers.Christine Foster

Examples of shelf-stable in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web For all of these reasons, shelf-stable milk is wildly popular in many parts of the world. Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 11 Oct. 2024 Admittedly, some kinds of preserves can feel a bit fussy, particularly if the goal is shelf-stable pickles, jams, or tomato purées that can last at room temperature for years. Alex Testere, Saveur, 9 Oct. 2024 In addition to being nutritious, turkey sticks are shelf-stable and can be kept in your purse, car, or desk drawer for a quick and filling snack. Jillian Kubala, Health, 30 Sep. 2024 Stock up on canned, shelf-stable soups, beans, and camp meals that won’t spoil. Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 29 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for shelf-stable 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'shelf-stable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shelf-stable was in 1952

Dictionary Entries Near shelf-stable

Cite this Entry

“Shelf-stable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shelf-stable. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!