take shape

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.
The roster might be facing upheaval, but the Columbus Blue Jackets coaching staff has taken shape under head coach Rick Bowness. Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 1 July 2026 The Benjamin Franklin Bridge, originally called the Delaware River Bridge, began taking shape in 1922. Joe Holden, CBS News, 1 July 2026 That prediction is now taking shape as industry, religious and government leaders publish competing blueprints for AI’s future. Paulo Carvão, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 As investors have waited for a succession plan to take shape, recruiters and rival boards have seen an opportunity to hire executives who have already been tested inside one of the world’s most complex financial institutions. Ruth Umoh, Fortune, 30 June 2026 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 5 Jul. 2026.

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