shelf-stable

adjective

shelf-sta·ble ˈshelf-ˌstā-bəl

: processed or packaged to withstand prolonged storage without refrigeration

All the rage in Europe and Latin America, boxed shelf-stable milk has yet to catch on with U.S. consumers.—Christine Foster

Examples of shelf-stable in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

On the other hand, kibble is widely used, shelf-stable and generally regarded as safe for most pets. — Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 8 June 2026 The shelf-stable meals are designed to help families whose children lose access to school lunches during the summer months. — Joshua Cole, CBS News, 24 June 2026 That’s because a shelf-stable food like cereal can be warehoused for a long time and isn’t as susceptible to rising diesel prices. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 10 June 2026 The trend now is toward smarter bulk buying — focusing on shelf-stable staples and items families reliably go through. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for shelf-stable

Word History

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of shelf-stable was in 1952

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Browse Nearby Words

shelf sea

shelf-stable

shelfy

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Shelf-stable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shelf-stable. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

shelf-stable

adjective

Examples of shelf-stable in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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