shape
noun OPAL WOPAL S
/ʃeɪp/
/ʃeɪp/
Idioms - [countable, uncountable] the form of the outer edges or surfaces of something; an example of something that has a particular form
- a rectangular/spherical/cylindrical shape
- geometric shapes
- fantastic creatures that can change shape and be either visible or invisible
- You can recognize the fish by the shape of their fins.
- They have completely different body shapes.
- This old T-shirt has completely lost its shape.
- in shape The island was originally circular in shape.
- Several rooms are irregular in shape.
- Candles come in all shapes and sizes.
- Glass is blown or moulded into many shapes.
- in the shape of something The pool was in the shape of a heart.
- (figurative) The government provides money in the shape of (= consisting of) grants and student loans.
Extra ExamplesTopics Colours and Shapesa2- Squares, circles and triangles are types of shape.
- First draw the rough shape of your chosen animal.
- Fold the paper to make the shape of a cone.
- I recognized the distinctive shape of a 747.
- Ordinary things assumed different shapes in the mist.
- She drew inspiration from organic shapes in the surrounding landscape.
- The road forms an L shape.
- Opt for a hairstyle to suit your face shape.
- You can't change your natural body shape.
- The bruise was a sort of mushroom shape.
- The desk was an awkward shape and wouldn't fit through the door.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- basic
- simple
- overall
- …
- cut out
- draw
- make
- …
- appear
- emerge
- loom
- …
- shape for
- in the shape of
- all shapes and sizes
- circular, hexagonal, oblong, rectangular, etc. in shape
- [countable] a person or thing that is difficult to see clearly synonym figure
- Ghostly shapes moved around in the dark.
- I could just make out a dark shape in the distance.
- An enormous shape loomed up out of the mist directly in front of me.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- basic
- simple
- overall
- …
- cut out
- draw
- make
- …
- appear
- emerge
- loom
- …
- shape for
- in the shape of
- all shapes and sizes
- circular, hexagonal, oblong, rectangular, etc. in shape
- [uncountable] the physical condition of somebody/something
- in … shape What sort of shape was the car in after the accident?
- He's in good shape for a man of his age.
- The ship was in bad shape as a result of damage sustained in the collision.
- He’s not in any shape (= not well enough) to be working.
Extra Examples- After the night before, he was in rough shape.
- He's 64, but he's in better physical shape than I am.
- She likes to stay in shape.
- (figurative) The economy is still in pretty good shape.
- (figurative) The company is in good financial shape.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- decent
- excellent
- fine
- …
- shape for
- get somebody/something into shape
- knock somebody/something into shape
- lick somebody/something into shape
- …
- [uncountable] the particular qualities or characteristics of something
- Will new technology change the shape of broadcasting?
- Prices vary according to the size and shape of each project.
- He did much to determine the shape of Asia's political map.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- general
- overall
- changing
- …
- alter
- change
- determine
- …
- the shape of things to come
- in any shape or form
Word OriginOld English gesceap ‘external form’, also ‘creation’, sceppan ‘create’, of Germanic origin.
Idioms
get bent out of shape (about/over something)
- (North American English, informal) to become angry, anxious or upset
- Don't get bent out of shape about it. It was just a mistake!
get (yourself) into shape
- to take exercise, eat healthy food, etc. in order to become physically fit
- I’m trying to get into shape before summer.
- I need to get back into shape after the Christmas holiday.
get/knock/lick somebody into shape
- to train somebody so that they do a particular job, task, etc. well
- It took him just two weeks to knock the new recruits into shape.
- Leave the boy with me—I'll soon knock him into shape!
get/knock/lick something into shape
- to make something more acceptable, organized or successful
- I've got all the information together but it still needs knocking into shape.
- It shouldn’t take long to get the company back into shape.
give shape to something
- (formal) to express or explain a particular idea, plan, etc.
- Marie tried to find the right words to give shape to the confusion in her head.
in any (way,) shape or form
- (informal) of any type
- I don't approve of violence in any shape or form.
- I can't stand insects in any shape or form.
- I do not condone bullying in any way, shape or form.
(get/keep/stay) in shape
- (of a person) (to get/stay) in good physical condition
- You don't have to spend a fortune on gym membership to get in shape.
- I like to stay in shape.
out of shape
- not having the normal shape
- The wheel had been twisted out of shape.
- The bicycle had been battered out of shape.
- (of a person) not in good physical condition
- I didn’t realize how out of shape I was!
the shape of things to come
- the way things are likely to develop in the future
- Are solar-powered cars the shape of things to come?
- This new system could be the shape of things to come.
take shape
- to develop and become more complete or organized
- The garden is beginning to take shape.
- A new song began to take shape in her mind.
throw shapes
- (British English) to dance
- She spent the whole evening throwing shapes on the dance floor.
- (Irish English) to behave in a way that makes you seem to threaten somebody, especially by standing as though you are ready to fight, without actually becoming violent
- I was worried he might get violent but he was just throwing shapes.
- (figurative) The two main investors threw some shapes during the debate.