plural shelves
ˈshelvz 
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
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
For reliable performance without overpaying, this system is worth the space on your shelf.
—
PC Magazine, 25 July 2025
Of course, none of them, especially Howard — who could fill a shelf with the Emmys, Oscars, Golden Globes, and even the Grammy that he's won — is hurting for industry accolades.
—Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 25 July 2025
The first kid-centric Kindle hit the shelves in 2019, but there was one thing missing: color.
—Kara Nesvig, Parents, 24 July 2025
Meanwhile, prices have been rising on store shelves.
—Dee-Ann Durbin, Fortune, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for shelf
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PC Magazine, 25 July 2025
Of course, none of them, especially Howard — who could fill a shelf with the Emmys, Oscars, Golden Globes, and even the Grammy that he's won — is hurting for industry accolades.
—Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 25 July 2025
The first kid-centric Kindle hit the shelves in 2019, but there was one thing missing: color.
—Kara Nesvig, Parents, 24 July 2025
Meanwhile, prices have been rising on store shelves.
—Dee-Ann Durbin, Fortune, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for shelf
Cite this Entry
“Shelf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shelf. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
shelf
noun
plural shelves
ˈshelvz
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
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