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
There’s no better way to convert digital discovery to in-store purchases than by sparking recognition and allowing shoppers to make the connection all the way through to the shelf.
—
Michael Taylor, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
That extra room has been used to install a set of shelves behind the driver and passenger seats that each have a strap to hold bags in place and increase trunk size.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 27 May 2025
Put together a basic emergency kit, with water and shelf stable foods for up to a week, flash lights, back up batteries, a first aid kit and moist towelettes.
—Doyle Rice, USA Today, 27 May 2025
The mountable shelf features a top surface for storing laundry essentials like dryer balls and detergent, as well as a lower steel rack for hang-drying clothing.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for shelf
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Michael Taylor, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
That extra room has been used to install a set of shelves behind the driver and passenger seats that each have a strap to hold bags in place and increase trunk size.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 27 May 2025
Put together a basic emergency kit, with water and shelf stable foods for up to a week, flash lights, back up batteries, a first aid kit and moist towelettes.
—Doyle Rice, USA Today, 27 May 2025
The mountable shelf features a top surface for storing laundry essentials like dryer balls and detergent, as well as a lower steel rack for hang-drying clothing.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 May 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 3 Jun. 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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