shelve
1 Americanverb (used with object)
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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
-
to put aside or postpone from consideration
-
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.
Trump's visit will merit attention if he and Xi manage to "shelve the most sensitive issues" while establishing "rule-based tracks" on points of cooperation, Chen said.
From Barron's • May 13, 2026
In its letter to Spiegel, Irenic calls for Snap to potentially cut staff, shelve certain projects, and capitalize on the “AI opportunity” among other proposals.
From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026
Former contestants of a now-axed BBC LGBTQ+ dating show say they feel "frustrated" and "sad" at the decision to shelve the programme.
From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026
The EU’s decision to shelve a trade deal with the U.S. risks retaliation from the country, the analysts write.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 25, 2026
How could the Augurs have— The assassin circles me, and I shelve my questions.
From "An Ember in the Ashes" by Sabaa Tahir
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.
