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Definition of shelve

shelve

/ʃɛlv/
shelve
Past Simple:shelved
•
Past Participle:shelved
•
Present Participle:shelving
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shelve Lexical Profile

shelve Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To decide not to proceed with a plan, project, or idea, either temporarily or permanently.

Example

"The city council decided to shelve the proposal for the new stadium until the budget improves."

2

To place or arrange items, especially books, on a shelf.

Example

"The librarian spent the afternoon helping volunteers shelve the returned books."

3

To slope downward gradually (especially of land or a shoreline).

Example

"The sandy beach shelves gently toward the calm waters of the bay."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for shelve

• Rhymes for shelve

• Nearby Words

sheltered
shelterless
sheltie
shelve
shelver
shelving
shenandoah

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the late 16th century as a back-formation from the plural noun 'shelves' (singular 'shelf'), which entered Middle English from Middle Low German 'schelf'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Shelve. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/shelve
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