off-the-shelf

American  

[awf-thuh-shelf, of-] / ˈɔf ðəˈʃɛlf, ˈɒf- /

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.

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off the shelf British  

adverb

1. from stock and readily available

   you can have this model off the shelf

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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

off the shelf Idioms  

1. 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.

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Etymology

Origin of off-the-shelf

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

“If the AI center people need industrial gas turbines for power, why don’t they simply order some off-the-shelf ones from people with experience providing them?”

From Barron's

On an industrial stretch on the west side of Oakland, Calif., a startup called Brimstone is processing gabbro with proprietary chemistry and off-the-shelf equipment to produce aluminum, magnesium and other minerals frequently imported from China.

From The Wall Street Journal

"We want to democratize gene therapy by creating off-the-shelf tools that can cure a large group of patients in one shot," Finkelstein said.

From Science Daily

He said defendants used "very sophisticated technology" like altered off-the-shelf shuffling machines that could read the cards.

From BBC

They did so using "very sophisticated" technology including off-the-shelf shuffling machines, special contact lenses and eye glasses to read pre-marked cards, according to authorities.

From BBC