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.
That never took shape and Everett’s playing time has dipped of late, especially since Waldron was replaced. Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 29 Nov. 2024 The resistance promised by blue state governors after the election of Donald Trump is beginning to take shape as city leaders, advocacy groups and the nation's second-largest school district launch efforts to oppose mass deportations. Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC News, 28 Nov. 2024 The potential storm could take shape across the eastern half of the U.S. on Thanksgiving and Black Friday, with two possible scenarios depending on how far south the storm travels, Accuweather meteorologists said. Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 25 Nov. 2024 Hello, Quartz members, and welcome to Sunday Reads! Spirit may stay in the sky, Donald Trump’s economic team is taking shape, and the Fed is still on course for an interest rate cut next month. Peter Green, Quartz, 24 Nov. 2024 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 3 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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