plural shelves
ˈshelvz
1
a
: a thin flat usually long and narrow piece of material (such as wood) fastened horizontally (as on a wall) at a distance from the floor to hold objects
b
: one of several similar pieces in a closet, bookcase, or similar structure
c
: the contents of a shelf
the author of a shelf of bestsellers
2
: something resembling a shelf in form or position: such as
a
: a sandbank or ledge of rocks usually partially submerged
b
: a flat projecting layer of rock
c
: the submerged gradually sloping border of a continent or island : continental shelf
see also:
shelf·ful
ˈshelfˌfu̇l
-eu̇fˌf-
plural -s
: a quantity sufficient to fill a shelf : the contents of a shelf
Cite this Entry
“Shelf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shelf. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.
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