First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1shape
verb \ˈshāp\
: to give a particular form or shape to (something) : to work with (a material) in order to make something from it
: to influence the development of (something) : to help (something) become what it is
: to make (something, such as a plan) by a process of careful thought
shapedshap·ing
Full Definition of SHAPE
transitive verb
3
: to adapt in shape so as to fit neatly and closely <a dress shaped to her figure>
5
a : to make fit for (as a particular use or purpose) : adapt <shape the questions to fit the answers> b : to determine or direct the course or character of <events that shaped history> c : to modify (behavior) by rewarding changes that tend toward a desired response
intransitive verb
1
: to come to pass : happen <it's shaping up that I am known now for my husbands — Leslie Marmon Silko>
2
: to take on or approach a mature or definite form —often used with up <the summer is shaping up to be one of the hottest on record>
— shap·er noun
See shape defined for English-language learners
See shape defined for kids
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Origin of SHAPE
Middle English, from Old English sceapen, gescapen, past participle of scieppan; akin to Old High German skepfen to shape
Related to SHAPE
2shape
noun
: the form or outline of an object
: the condition of something or someone
: a physically strong and healthy condition
Full Definition of SHAPE
1
a : the visible makeup characteristic of a particular item or kind of item <a cake in the shape of a Christmas tree> b (1) : spatial form or contour <the clouds kept changing shape> (2) : a standard or universally recognized spatial form <a stain in the shape of a perfect circle>
2
: the appearance of the body as distinguished from that of the face : figure
3
a : phantom, apparition <eerie shapes floating in the mist> b : assumed appearance : guise <a trick-or-treater in the shape of a pumpkin>
4
: form of embodiment <our plans are taking shape>
5
: a mode of existence or form of being having identifying features
6
: a molded dessert; especially : blancmange
7
: the condition in which someone or something exists at a particular time <the car was in fine shape>
— shaped \ˌshāpt\ adjective
— in shape
: in an original, normal, or fit condition <exercises to keep in shape>
See shape defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SHAPE
before 12th century
SHAPE Defined for Kids
1shape
verb \ˈshāp\
shapedshap·ing
Definition of SHAPE for Kids
1
: to give a certain form or shape to <Shape the dough into loaves.>
2
: to plan out : devise <We shaped a winning strategy.>
3
: to have great influence on the development of <Teachers help shape the minds of future leaders.>
— shap·er noun
— shape up
1
: to develop in a particular way <This is shaping up to be an exciting trip.>
2
: to improve in behavior or condition
2shape
noun
Definition of SHAPE for Kids
1
: outward appearance : the form or outline of something <the shape of a pear> <circles, squares, and other shapes>
2
: definite arrangement and form <The plan is finally taking shape.>
3
: 1condition 1 <The car is in poor shape.>
4
: a physically fit condition <She keeps in shape by exercising.>
— shaped \ˌshāpt\ adjective <a heart-shaped cookie>
Medical Dictionary
shape
transitive verb \ˈshāp\
shapedshap·ing
Medical Definition of SHAPE
: to modify (behavior) by rewarding changes that tend toward a desired response
Learn More About SHAPE
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