First Known Use: 1598
Dictionary
shelve
verb \ˈshelv\
: to put (something) on a shelf
: to stop doing or thinking about (something) for a period of time
: to make (someone) unable to play or perform
shelvedshelv·ing
Full Definition of SHELVE
transitive verb
1
: to furnish with shelves
2
: to place on a shelf <shelve books>
3
a : to remove from active service b : to put off or aside <shelve a project>
intransitive verb
: to slope in a formation like a shelf
— shelv·er noun
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Origin of SHELVE
shelf
Related to SHELVE
SHELVE Defined for Kids
shelve
verb \ˈshelv\
shelvedshelv·ing
Definition of SHELVE for Kids
1
: to place or store on a shelf <shelve books>
2
: to put off or aside : defer <The plan has been shelved for now.>
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