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.
There have been multiple teams linked with the former league MVP already, and the trade market has taken shape. Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 June 2025 The pattern has taken shape after a prolonged downtrend from the past few years. Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 11 June 2025 However, under the visionary leadership of Luol Deng, former NBA All-Star and current president of the South Sudan Basketball Federation, the program began to take shape. Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025 However, with increasing interest as streets begin to take shape, the remaining lots won’t last long. Prime Development Land Company, Kansas City Star, 8 June 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Take shape.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20shape. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

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