shape
noun
the quality of a distinct object or body in having an external surface or outline of specific form or figure.
had shaped
-
past perfectof shape.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
In a speech on Friday to mark America's 250th birthday, Leo called for "moderation" in US public discourse, and spoke of how "successive waves of immigrants" had shaped the future of the country.
From Barron's ● Jul. 4, 2026
Working in Beverly Hills had shaped the future he envisioned for himself, and he dreamed of becoming as successful as the homeowners on Hillcrest Road.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 7, 2026
"We examined all the wooden remains closely, looking at their surfaces under microscopes. We found marks from chopping and carving on two objects -- clear signs that early humans had shaped them."
From Science Daily ● May 24, 2026
The Freies Jüdisches Lehrhaus in Frankfurt was his attempt to open a way for assimilated Jews to re-enter Judaism without forfeiting the culture that had shaped them.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 6, 2026
In the past, they had shaped the landscape mainly with fire; the ax came out only for garden plots of marshelder and little barley.
From "1491" by Charles C. Mann
