shelve
1 Americanverb (used with object)
-
to place (something) on a shelf or shelves.
-
to put off or aside from consideration.
to shelve the question.
- Synonyms:
- pigeonhole, table, defer
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to remove from active use or service; dismiss.
-
to furnish with shelves.
verb (used without object)
verb
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to place on a shelf
-
to provide with shelves
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to put aside or postpone from consideration
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to dismiss or cause to retire
verb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of shelve1
First recorded in 1585–95; verb use of shelve(s)
Origin of shelve2
1580–90; origin uncertain; compare Frisian skelf not quite level
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Appeared in the November 21, 2025, print edition as 'Big Banks Shelve $20 Billion Argentina Bailout'.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 20, 2025
Shelve her latest novel alongside those of Richard Russo, Nora Ephron, Armistead Maupin, Jess Walter and other comic novelists whose works are both timely and ultimately transcendent.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 2, 2023
Shelve it … Kat Banyard of UK Feminista wants lads' mags like Zoo and Loaded banned by retailers.
From The Guardian • Jun. 23, 2013
Shelve, shelv, v.i. to slope, incline.—n. a ledge.—n.
From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements) by Various
This is in a line north of Bishops Castle and Shelve, and to those who appreciate wild scenery this part of the county may be specially recommended.
From What to See in England A Guide to Places of Historic Interest, Natural Beauty or Literary Association by Home, Gordon
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
