definitions

shelve

1
[ shelv ]
/ ʃɛlv /
||
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR shelve ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), shelved, shelv·ing.

to place (something) on a shelf or shelves.
to put off or aside from consideration: to shelve the question.
to remove from active use or service; dismiss.
to furnish with shelves.

RELATED WORDS

suspend, waive, freeze, prolong, mothball, dismiss, scrub, drop, pigeonhole, stay, delay, sideline, table, hold, prorogue

Nearby words

sheltered housing, sheltered workshop, sheltie, shelton, shelty, shelve, shelves, shelving, shem, shema, shembe

Origin of shelve

1
First recorded in 1585–95; v. use of shelve(s)

Related forms

shelv·er, noun

Definition for shelve (2 of 2)

shelve

2
[ shelv ]
/ ʃɛlv /

verb (used without object), shelved, shelv·ing.

to slope gradually.

Origin of shelve

2
1580–90; origin uncertain; compare Frisian skelf not quite level
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for shelve

British Dictionary definitions for shelve (1 of 2)

shelve

1
/ (ʃɛlv) /

verb (tr)

to place on a shelf
to provide with shelves
to put aside or postpone from consideration
to dismiss or cause to retire

Derived Forms

shelver, noun

Word Origin for shelve

C16: from shelves, plural of shelf

British Dictionary definitions for shelve (2 of 2)

shelve

2
/ (ʃɛlv) /

verb

(intr) to slope away gradually; incline

Word Origin for shelve

C16: origin uncertain
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012