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
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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.
Britain indicated Saturday it would shelve plans to hand back the Chagos Islands -- which hosts a strategic US-UK military base -- after US President Donald Trump strongly criticised the deal.
From Barron's • Apr. 11, 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
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
Two years after a newborn baby was found abandoned on a freezing winter's night, London police look set to shelve their investigation despite having discovered that she is the sibling of two other foundlings.
From Barron's • Jan. 14, 2026
Even the most optimistic staff began to cancel meetings, abandon research projects, and shelve any new ideas.
From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French
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.
