shape

1 of 2

verb

ˈshāp

shaped; shaping

transitive verb

: form, create

especially : to give a particular form or shape to

obsolete : ordain, decree

: to adapt in shape so as to fit neatly and closely

a dress shaped to her figure

: devise, plan

shape a policy

: to embody in definite form

shaping a folktale into an epic

: to make fit for (a particular use, purpose, etc.) : adapt

shape the questions to fit the answers

: to determine or direct the course or character of

events that shaped history

: to modify (behavior) by rewarding changes that tend toward a desired response

intransitive verb

: to come to pass : happen

it's shaping up that I am known now for my husbands

Leslie Marmon Silko

: 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

shaper noun

shape

2 of 2

noun

plural shapes

: 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

: the appearance of the body as distinguished from that of the face : figure

: phantom, apparition

eerie shapes floating in the mist

: assumed appearance : guise

a trick-or-treater in the shape of a pumpkin

: form of embodiment

The plan is starting to come into shape.

Example Sentences

Verb The artist shaped the stone with a hammer and chisel. Schools shape the minds of future leaders. Ads help shape public opinion. Noun circles, squares, triangles, and other geometric shapes The cake has a rectangular shape. The pieces came in many different sizes and shapes. The pieces were sorted by size and shape. The cloud kept changing shape. The cake was rectangular in shape. I need to start exercising and get back in shape. I'm out of shape because I haven't been exercising. The players were in poor condition, but the coach quickly whipped them into shape. She stays in shape by exercising daily and eating well. See More

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Among the dozens of photographs from the Fairchild archives on display are pictures spotlighting several musical luminaries who helped shape and define New York fashion over the decades.

Joe Lynch, Billboard, 9 Sep. 2022 In fact, slugging my way through 1998’s Altered Beast and 1989’s River City Ransom no doubt helped shape my career choice.

WIRED, 6 Sep. 2022 Before Europeans arrived in North America, beavers’ engineering helped to shape the landscape and hydrology of the continent from coast to coast.

The Salt Lake Tribune, 6 Sep. 2022 Schultz, a longtime CEO who helped shape Starbucks after buying it in 1987, came out of retirement and assumed the interim CEO job in March after the company’s former CEO, Kevin Johnson, announced his retirement.

Dee-ann Durbin, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2022 Raisa’s classmates were an extraordinary cohort of postwar Soviet thinkers, and that, perhaps more than anything else, helped shape the policies that will forever be synonymous with Gorbachev’s name: glasnost and perestroika.

Masha Gessen, The New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2022 Balazs, a pioneering hospitality impresario (also known for his influential vision at the trendy Standard chain, as well as the chic Mercer in Manhattan), has helped shape the boutique hotel market in recent decades.

Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Aug. 2022 The Marble trust, which has already reported donations totaling nearly $229 million to other nonprofits, will expand the capabilities of a network of nonprofit groups that Mr. Leo has helped shape and guide in recent years.

New York Times, 22 Aug. 2022 Some outside analysts and friends of the family suspect that Dugin, an ideologue who helped shape the Kremlin’s narrative about Ukraine, was the real target.

Robyn Dixon, Washington Post, 22 Aug. 2022

Noun

Celebrity stylist Kim Appelt suggests SKIMS Cotton Ribbed Tank for anyone who has a larger chest or an hourglass body shape.

Olivia Muenter, Peoplemag, 11 Sep. 2022 And how will this seismic shift shape things back home?

ABC News, 11 Sep. 2022 Against the backdrop of Morocco’s port city, a new style takes shape, with dramatic denim, slender lines and striking shades.

WSJ, 11 Sep. 2022 The mid-size SUV has a robust and boxy shape that’s not entirely dissimilar from the Wrangler.

Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2022 Travis Etienne, the 25th overall pick in the 2021 draft who missed his entire rookie season following a foot injury, is likely to see more playing time while Robinson works his way back into playing shape.

Mark Long, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Sep. 2022 Create a 90-degree elbow and shoulder position, and hold firm in this shape.

Esther Smith, Outside Online, 9 Sep. 2022 Juxtapose the organic shape of the leaves with a modern planter like this DIY option from the blog Pretty Nice.

Brittney Morgan, House Beautiful, 8 Sep. 2022 The shape of the Ugg sofa, for example, was inspired by furniture from an eighties videos game, whereas the shoe silhouettes are borrowed from the blueprint to assemble Ugg shoes.

Elise Taylor, Vogue, 8 Sep. 2022 See More

Kids Definition

shape 1 of 2

verb

ˈshāp

shaped; shaping

: to give a certain form or shape to

Shape the dough into loaves.

: to plan out : devise

We shaped a winning strategy.

: to have great influence on the development of Teachers help shape the minds of future leaders.

shape

2 of 2

noun

: outward appearance : the form or outline of something

the shape of a pear

circles, squares, and other shapes

: definite arrangement and form

The plan is finally taking shape.

: condition entry 1 sense 1

The car is in poor shape.

: a physically fit condition

She keeps in shape by exercising.

单词	shaping
释义	shape 1 of 2 verb ˈshāp shaped; shaping transitive verb 1 : form, create especially : to give a particular form or shape to 2 obsolete : ordain, decree 3 : to adapt in shape so as to fit neatly and closely a dress shaped to her figure 4 a : devise, plan shape a policy b : to embody in definite form shaping a folktale into an epic 5 a : to make fit for (a particular use, purpose, etc.) : 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 shaper noun shape 2 of 2 noun plural shapes 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 The plan is starting to come into shape. see also take 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 Phrases in shape : in an original, normal, or fit condition exercises to keep in shape Synonyms Verb acclimate acclimatize accommodate adapt adjust condition conform doctor edit fashion fit put suit tailor Noun condition estate fettle form health keeping kilter nick [British] order repair trim See all Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Verb The artist shaped the stone with a hammer and chisel. Schools shape the minds of future leaders. Ads help shape public opinion. Noun circles, squares, triangles, and other geometric shapes The cake has a rectangular shape. The pieces came in many different sizes and shapes. The pieces were sorted by size and shape. The cloud kept changing shape. The cake was rectangular in shape. I need to start exercising and get back in shape. I'm out of shape because I haven't been exercising. The players were in poor condition, but the coach quickly whipped them into shape. She stays in shape by exercising daily and eating well. See More Recent Examples on the Web Verb Among the dozens of photographs from the Fairchild archives on display are pictures spotlighting several musical luminaries who helped shape and define New York fashion over the decades. Joe Lynch, Billboard, 9 Sep. 2022 In fact, slugging my way through 1998’s Altered Beast and 1989’s River City Ransom no doubt helped shape my career choice. WIRED, 6 Sep. 2022 Before Europeans arrived in North America, beavers’ engineering helped to shape the landscape and hydrology of the continent from coast to coast. The Salt Lake Tribune, 6 Sep. 2022 Schultz, a longtime CEO who helped shape Starbucks after buying it in 1987, came out of retirement and assumed the interim CEO job in March after the company’s former CEO, Kevin Johnson, announced his retirement. Dee-ann Durbin, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2022 Raisa’s classmates were an extraordinary cohort of postwar Soviet thinkers, and that, perhaps more than anything else, helped shape the policies that will forever be synonymous with Gorbachev’s name: glasnost and perestroika. Masha Gessen, The New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2022 Balazs, a pioneering hospitality impresario (also known for his influential vision at the trendy Standard chain, as well as the chic Mercer in Manhattan), has helped shape the boutique hotel market in recent decades. Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Aug. 2022 The Marble trust, which has already reported donations totaling nearly $229 million to other nonprofits, will expand the capabilities of a network of nonprofit groups that Mr. Leo has helped shape and guide in recent years. New York Times, 22 Aug. 2022 Some outside analysts and friends of the family suspect that Dugin, an ideologue who helped shape the Kremlin’s narrative about Ukraine, was the real target. Robyn Dixon, Washington Post, 22 Aug. 2022 Noun Celebrity stylist Kim Appelt suggests SKIMS Cotton Ribbed Tank for anyone who has a larger chest or an hourglass body shape. Olivia Muenter, Peoplemag, 11 Sep. 2022 And how will this seismic shift shape things back home? ABC News, 11 Sep. 2022 Against the backdrop of Morocco’s port city, a new style takes shape, with dramatic denim, slender lines and striking shades. WSJ, 11 Sep. 2022 The mid-size SUV has a robust and boxy shape that’s not entirely dissimilar from the Wrangler. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2022 Travis Etienne, the 25th overall pick in the 2021 draft who missed his entire rookie season following a foot injury, is likely to see more playing time while Robinson works his way back into playing shape. Mark Long, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Sep. 2022 Create a 90-degree elbow and shoulder position, and hold firm in this shape. Esther Smith, Outside Online, 9 Sep. 2022 Juxtapose the organic shape of the leaves with a modern planter like this DIY option from the blog Pretty Nice. Brittney Morgan, House Beautiful, 8 Sep. 2022 The shape of the Ugg sofa, for example, was inspired by furniture from an eighties videos game, whereas the shoe silhouettes are borrowed from the blueprint to assemble Ugg shoes. Elise Taylor, Vogue, 8 Sep. 2022 See More Word History Etymology Verb Middle English, from Old English sceapen, gescapen, past participle of scieppan; akin to Old High German skepfen to shape First Known Use Verb before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1 Noun before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a Phrases Containing shape In no way shape or form in any way, shape, or form in the shape of take shape shape up shape note shape-shifter take the shape of the shape of things to come out of shape whip into shape lick into shape in shape bent out of shape See More In no way shape or form in any way, shape, or form in the shape of take shape shape up shape note shape-shifter take the shape of the shape of things to come out of shape whip into shape lick into shape in shape bent out of shape See More Kids Definition shape 1 of 2 verb ˈshāp shaped; shaping 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. shape 2 of 2 noun 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 : condition entry 1 sense 1 The car is in poor shape. 4 : a physically fit condition She keeps in shape by exercising. Medical Definition shape transitive verb ˈshāp shaped; shaping : to modify (behavior) by rewarding changes that tend toward a desired response shaping verb present participle of shape 1 as in adjusting to change (something) so as to make it suitable for a new use or situation a dress shaped to the customer's particular figure Synonyms & Similar Words Relevance adjusting adapting tailoring conforming putting suiting editing customizing preparing fitting fashioning transforming conditioning altering accommodating acclimating modifying bending matching acclimatizing doctoring modeling establishing tuning readjusting converting regulating correcting equipping orienting remaking patterning revising reworking harmonizing training hardening redesigning orientating attuning gearing readapting reclaiming squaring recasting reinventing refashioning modelling rooting toughening priming settling familiarizing remodeling recycling refocusing acquainting revamping reengineering rigging redoing refiguring rehearsing readying accustoming redeveloping habituating inuring fine-tuning refitting habilitating rejiggering phasing seasoning naturalizing registering making over fiddling (with) Antonyms & Near Antonyms misadjusting 2 as in planning to work out the details of (something) in advance over the winter the committee shaped the company's new marketing strategy Synonyms & Similar Words planning designing preparing organizing arranging plotting devising calculating charting outlining projecting choreographing budgeting drafting blueprinting framing laying out contemplating mapping (out) figuring sketching scheming (out) strategizing (about) contriving intriguing conspiring intending concerting aiming machinating meaning getting up premeditating meditating having on putting up
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shape

verb

noun

Synonyms

Example Sentences

Word History

Phrases Containing shape

Kids Definition

verb

noun

Medical Definition

transitive verb

verb