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 off the shelf, on the 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
Inspired by a volunteer suggestion, Girl Scouts River Valleys created Troop 2026 through the Care to Share Program, which takes proceeds from cookie sales and distributes them to specific initiatives, like supporting veterans or food shelves.
—
Talia McWright, Twin Cities, 11 Feb. 2026
After 61 games in the big leagues last season, Hayden Senger opted not to resume his usual minor league offseason job stocking shelves at a Nashville-area Whole Foods over the winter.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 11 Feb. 2026
At the request of the art-loving owner, numerous areas have been designed as private galleries with special shelves for sculptures and recesses in the walls for paintings.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 11 Feb. 2026
Spruce tips and wild garlic sit in jars on the shelves, a unicorn gallops across a tapestry on one wall, and there’s a woodburning stove to gather around.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shelf
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Talia McWright, Twin Cities, 11 Feb. 2026
After 61 games in the big leagues last season, Hayden Senger opted not to resume his usual minor league offseason job stocking shelves at a Nashville-area Whole Foods over the winter.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 11 Feb. 2026
At the request of the art-loving owner, numerous areas have been designed as private galleries with special shelves for sculptures and recesses in the walls for paintings.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 11 Feb. 2026
Spruce tips and wild garlic sit in jars on the shelves, a unicorn gallops across a tapestry on one wall, and there’s a woodburning stove to gather around.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 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 14 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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