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
see also:
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
Here, the wooden interior is warm and modern, with minimalist landscape photography—by English owner Shouya Grigg, an artist and decades-long Niseko resident—plus contemporary paintings, flower arrangements, scented candles, shelves of ceramics, and a wood-burning stove.
—
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Feb. 2026
The hearth has multiple temperature zones for direct coal grilling at the base, slow-smoking shelves above, and ambient heat levels for resting and flavor infusion.
—Sara Rosenthal, Denver Post, 25 Feb. 2026
But thrift stores often have an abundance of candlesticks on their shelves, and the prices are usually rock bottom.
—Heather Bien, Martha Stewart, 25 Feb. 2026
Other operational enhancements include new stocking protocols and a shelf replenishment initiative, which uses real-time data and AI technology to send stores a prioritized list of critical items to restock.
—Charlotte Observer, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shelf
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Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Feb. 2026
The hearth has multiple temperature zones for direct coal grilling at the base, slow-smoking shelves above, and ambient heat levels for resting and flavor infusion.
—Sara Rosenthal, Denver Post, 25 Feb. 2026
But thrift stores often have an abundance of candlesticks on their shelves, and the prices are usually rock bottom.
—Heather Bien, Martha Stewart, 25 Feb. 2026
Other operational enhancements include new stocking protocols and a shelf replenishment initiative, which uses real-time data and AI technology to send stores a prioritized list of critical items to restock.
—Charlotte Observer, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shelf
Cite this Entry
“Shelf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shelf. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
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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