off-the-shelf

[ awf-thuh-shelf, of- ]

adjective

1. readily available from merchandise in stock.
2. made according to a standardized format; not developed for specialized or individual needs; ready-made:

   off-the-shelf computer programs.

off the shelf

adverb

1. from stock and readily available

   you can have this model off the shelf

adjective

1. of or relating to a product that is readily available

   an off-the-shelf model

2. of or denoting a company that has been registered with the Registrar of Companies for the sole purpose of being sold

Word History and Origins

Origin of off-the-shelf¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Idioms and Phrases

Ready-made, available from merchandise or in stock, as opposed to a special order. For example, Sometimes you can get a better discount by buying an appliance off the shelf . [First half of 1900s] Also see off the rack ; on the shelf .

Example Sentences

And the company says that most of the parts are off-the-shelf, not custom-built—which helps keep costs down.

From The Daily Beast

Off-the-shelf versions like the one Kate purchased go for £295—roughly $500.

From The Daily Beast

Genes are not simple off-the-shelf parts with one expression.

From The Daily Beast

He looked nothing at all like the young men we see in the take-'em-off-the-shelf clothing ads.

From Project Gutenberg

The robots were easy enough—just off-the-shelf stuff, really—but the costumes and kinematics routines were something else.

From Project Gutenberg

He knew where you could get plans for the robotics, and off-the-shelf motors and sensors.

From Project Gutenberg