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 district also had to shelve plans for a new financial literacy program.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 28, 2026
Turmoil in the bond market might have played a role in the decision of smart-ring maker Oura to shelve its IPO.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 29, 2026
A few days ago team officials expressed optimism, but Tuesday they decided to shelve their shortstop when the ankle became inflamed after a workout.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 16, 2026
A No vote would shelve talks for the time being.
From BBC ● Aug. 26, 2026
She envisioned Mr. Griswold walking out from the back with a box of books to shelve, greeting customers as the chimes signaled their entrance.
From "Book Scavenger" by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
Australia's Firmus just shelved plans to start selling shares to the public.
From BBC ● Nov. 1, 2026
Though the congress went ahead — with many top oil executives attending virtually — the summit and investment conference were shelved till next year.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 28, 2026
South Korea and Japan shelved decades of historical enmity to present China with a united front.
From Slate ● Oct. 8, 2026
“There’s no gotcha, there’s no backroom deal,” the mayor said before the contract was shelved.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 1, 2026
He shelved his newly completed fourth symphony, sensing that its dark modernity might make matters worse, and for a while retreated to the relative safety of film scoring.
From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall
October alone has witnessed the shelving of three separate flotations planned for data-center providers, backed by AI powerhouses like Nvidia, Blackstone and SoftBank.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 24, 2026
OpenAI blamed high energy costs and regulatory uncertainty for shelving the project, according to British media.
From Barron's ● Oct. 19, 2026
Herman later added a wall to divide the studio space as well as custom shelving for his expansive library and ceramics.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 6, 2026
Two fireplaces and built-in shelving throughout the home evoke immediate feelings of coziness, and there are three living room spaces to enjoy.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 21, 2026
That there was slack water immediately below the bridge, with a low, shelving bank where they could get out easily?
From "Watership Down: A Novel" by Richard Adams
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