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shelve Definition

shelve (s̸helv)

intransitive verb

shelved, shelv′·ing to incline or slope gradually

Etymology: < shelf

transitive verb

  1. to equip with shelves
  2. to put on a shelf or shelves
    1. to lay aside as if on a shelf; defer to shelve a discussion
    2. to dismiss or retire from active service

Etymology: < pl. of shelf

shelve Synonyms

shelve

v.

  1. To arrange

    space, range, line up; see file 1, line 4, order 3, organize 1.

  2. To postpone

    hold, defer, prolong, table; see delay 1, suspend 2.

shelve Usage Examples

Object

  • sand: Mellieha Bay has a wonderful sweep of clean, gently shelving sand which benefits from the shelter of a sunny headland.
  • cupboard: Floor to ceiling original pine shelved cupboard to side.
  • beach: The park also has its own gently shelving beach which is safe for young children.
  • shore: Watersports With its gently shelving shore, Ventnor is an excellent beach for bathing.
  • plan: Their protests have pressurized Surrey County Council into shelving plans to slash its canal upkeep handout by £ 100,000 over the next two years.
  • space: Double depth coats cupboard with hanging and shelving space.

Preposition: into

  • sea: Shelving gently into the sea, this is a perfect spot for young families.
  • water: The lovely beach, shelving gently into warm, clear waters, offers excellent safe swimming.

Adjective complement

due: This follows the non-existent Alta Vista unlimited service, due to have been launched in March, but shelved due to high costs.

Modifying Another Word

  • steeply: The forward end of the vessel lies down a steeply shelving slope with her bow resting at 46 meters.
  • gently: The park also has its own gently shelving beach which is safe for young children.
  • gradually: They can also be found on shingle beaches and on rocky shores that shelve gradually into the water allowing easy access.
  • then: If you want to use a book that is awaiting shelving then please ask a member of staff to process it for you.
  • together: Census - all fiche census are arranged by county and shelved together on the Census fiche shelves.
  • quietly: In 1770 a select committee met to consider policing in the Metropolis only to see their report quietly shelved.

Followed by an intransitive particle

over: Built-in airing cupboard fitted with a radiator & shelving over.

Used with why or when

when: Unfortunately these plans had to be shelved when the nursery changed hands.

Present participle complement

air: Dining Area: Landing: With access to loft space, shelved airing cupboard housing insulated hot water cylinder.

Preposition: with

journal: Annual volumes from 1945 - shelved with the journals.

Preposition: for

storage: Bedroom 3. Bunk beds, pine wardrobe, shelving for storage, wicker chair, electric flame effect fire in granite hearth.