shelve
1 Americanverb (used with object)
-
to place (something) on a shelf or shelves.
-
to put off or aside from consideration.
to shelve the question.
- Synonyms:
- pigeonhole, table, defer
-
to remove from active use or service; dismiss.
-
to furnish with shelves.
verb (used without object)
verb
-
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.
See Examples For:
The plane maker ultimately decided the jet would need to be too big to take advantage of the aerodynamic efficiencies, according to a person familiar with its decision to shelve the plans.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 29, 2026
Walsh told the jury it was human nature to "box" or "shelve" feelings away – and that was what Complainant A and B had done over the years.
From BBC ● Jun. 16, 2026
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
Two things persuaded Haagy to shelve his own plant research and zero in on the mystery of sky-darkening smog.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 26, 2026
In exchange for the office space, I help the librarian shelve books.
From "Marcus Vega Doesn't Speak Spanish" by Pablo Cartaya
Most of Uminer’s books were shelved and weren’t impeding entrances and exits.
From Salon ● Jul. 23, 2026
All talks on his future were shelved until the end of the World Cup, so a decision on the 36-year-old's next move will be made soon.
From BBC ● Jul. 19, 2026
When Curic later took responsibility for Stellantis’s automated-driving program in early 2025, he shelved the company’s internal development, which followed the traditional rules-based approach, and started scouting for AI-savvy partners.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 28, 2026
Lilly is expanding into non-opioid painkillers, a neuroscience growth area, despite a history of shelved candidates.
From Barron's ● Jun. 16, 2026
Next to it was Aaron’s father’s record collection, shelved in the bookshelf, of old vinyl records.
From "It’s Kind of a Funny Story" by Ned Vizzini
In the 12th-floor model unit, the steel framework has even been turned into closet shelving.
From BBC ● Jul. 26, 2026
Teeming documents charting the rich subsoil of what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo fill nearly 500 metres of shelving at the AfricaMuseum in Tervuren, outside the Belgian capital.
From Barron's ● Jul. 3, 2026
The primary suite is completed by two huge walk-in closets, one of which is complete with a built-in vanity, while both feature light-up shelving.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 1, 2026
A shell-adorned mirror anchors the wall facing the windows and built-in shelving, making the room feel larger.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 26, 2026
Ai wants to attack each ascent, however steep, that shows any sign of shelving.
From "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin
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.
