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.

Hon mirin is remarkably shelf-stable thanks to its sugar and alcohol content. — Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Oct. 2026 To offset higher food prices, experts recommend preparing earlier and shopping for essentials, like shelf-stable ingredients, that go on sale ahead of time. — ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026 Best high protein snacks that are shelf-stable No fridge, no problem. — Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Oct. 2026 The resources include generators, fuel, flood barriers, pallets of bottled water, shelf-stable meals, flood buckets, tarps, Tiger Dams, and sandbags. — Sergio Candido, CBS News, 7 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 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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