shelf
noun
ˈshelf 
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
shelfful
ˈshelf-ˌfu̇l
noun shelflike
ˈshelf-ˌlīk
adjective 
Example Sentences
Put the vase on the shelf. the top shelf of the kitchen cabinet Will you get that book down off the shelf? We don't have much shelf space.
Recent Examples on the Web Similarly, Nora’s cruelly abrupt exit from Moussa’s life is never accounted for, indeed our only subsequent glimpse of her — and Moussa’s — comes during an impersonal Skype call, as a formality for an off-the-shelf divorce. 
Jessica Kiang, Variety, 9 Sep. 2022 The seat post also integrates the rear lights, so it can't be replaced with an off-the-shelf part. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 8 Sep. 2022 This summer, residents have the opportunity to evaluate them along with three off-the-shelf options added to the pilot program after officials faced criticism. Olga R. Rodriguez, BostonGlobe.com, 13 Aug. 2022 The hacking tool, a custom circuit board known as a modchip, uses off-the-shelf parts that cost around $25. Wired, 11 Aug. 2022 In its work, the team procured two off-the-shelf UWB RTLS systems: the Sewio Indoor Tracking RTLS UWB Wi-Fi Kit, and the Avalue Renity Artemis Enterprise Kit. Max Eddy, PCMAG, 11 Aug. 2022 ElSa uses a $250 FLIR ONE Pro thermal camera with 206x156 pixel resolution that plugs into an off-the-shelf iPhone 6. Margaret Osborne, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Aug. 2022 Because these tools are commoditized, there are many different off-the-shelf malware systems that someone can leverage. Keshia Butts, CBS News, 4 Aug. 2022 And so, once a drug is off-the-shelf there’s little or no control over who gets access to it. Joshua Cohen, Forbes, 1 Aug. 2022 See More
Jessica Kiang, Variety, 9 Sep. 2022 The seat post also integrates the rear lights, so it can't be replaced with an off-the-shelf part. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 8 Sep. 2022 This summer, residents have the opportunity to evaluate them along with three off-the-shelf options added to the pilot program after officials faced criticism. Olga R. Rodriguez, BostonGlobe.com, 13 Aug. 2022 The hacking tool, a custom circuit board known as a modchip, uses off-the-shelf parts that cost around $25. Wired, 11 Aug. 2022 In its work, the team procured two off-the-shelf UWB RTLS systems: the Sewio Indoor Tracking RTLS UWB Wi-Fi Kit, and the Avalue Renity Artemis Enterprise Kit. Max Eddy, PCMAG, 11 Aug. 2022 ElSa uses a $250 FLIR ONE Pro thermal camera with 206x156 pixel resolution that plugs into an off-the-shelf iPhone 6. Margaret Osborne, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Aug. 2022 Because these tools are commoditized, there are many different off-the-shelf malware systems that someone can leverage. Keshia Butts, CBS News, 4 Aug. 2022 And so, once a drug is off-the-shelf there’s little or no control over who gets access to it. Joshua Cohen, Forbes, 1 Aug. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English, probably from Old English scylfe; akin to Old Norse hlīthskjalf Odin's seat
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Phrases Containing shelf
Kids Definition
shelf
noun
ˈshelf
plural shelves
ˈshelvz
1
: a flat piece (as of wood or metal) set above a floor (as on a wall or in a bookcase) to hold things
2
: a flat area (as of rock)