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Added 9 October 2026

shelve

/ʃɛlv/ verb

verb Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about shelve at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

To furnish (a place) with shelves; especially, to furnish (a library, etc.) with bookshelves.
to shelve a closet or a library
To furnish (a place) with shelves; especially, to furnish (a library, etc.) with bookshelves.
to shelve a closet or a library
To place (something) on a shelf; especially, to place or arrange (books) on a bookshelf.
The library needs volunteers to help shelve books.

noun

A rocky shelf or ledge of a cliff, a mountain, etc.

verb

To tilt or tip (a cart) to discharge its contents.
Of land or a surface: to incline, to slope. To be in an inclined or sloping position.
Of land or a surface: to incline, to slope.

noun

Alternative spelling of shelf (“a reef, sandbar, or shoal”).

Origin

The verb is a back-formation from shelves, the plural of shelf (“flat, rigid structure, fixed at right angles to a wall or forming a part of a cabinet, desk, etc., and used to display, store, or support objects”). The noun is derived from etymology 1, verb sense 2 (“(obsolete) to hang over or project like a shelf”).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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