shape

verb \ ˈshāp \

Updated on: 1 Dec 2017

Definition of shape

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

See shape defined for English-language learners

See shape defined for kids

Examples of shape in a Sentence

The artist shaped the stone with a hammer and chisel.
Schools shape the minds of future leaders.
Ads help shape public opinion.

Recent Examples of shape from the Web

Rather than merely conducting from a seated position throughout, Schiff seized on every opportunity when the piano part falls silent to jump up to shape and invigorate the music with both hands.

— john von rhein, chicagotribune.com, "Schiff moves with conviction from piano bench to CSO podium," 3 Nov. 2017
Vienna, Austria Artistic, exquisite, and largely shaped by its musical and intellectual foundations, Austria’s capital and largest city is packed with culture.

— Condé Nast Traveler, "The Best Cities in Europe," 1 Nov. 2017
But: This doesn’t mean that people whose views were shaped by Hayek, Von Mises, or Friedman are therefore responsible for the Alt Right.

— jonathan chait, Daily Intelligencer, "The Republican Roots of Trumpism," 24 Oct. 2017
So, without further ado, check out our 100 Years of Beauty Icons video, below, for a look at the biggest beauty trends of the past century — and (most importantly) the wonderful women who helped to shape them.

— gillian fuller, Allure, "Watch 100 Years of Beauty Icons in Just 3 Minutes," 20 Oct. 2017
The work has informed politicians looking for ways to influence voters and shape societies at a time when budget deficits limited their scope to spend and the 2008 financial crisis caught many economists off guard.

— jonas o bergman, Bloomberg.com, "Thaler, Famed for ‘Nudge’ Theory, Wins Nobel Economics Prize," 10 Oct. 2017
Whether Trump will stick to that approach will go a long way toward shaping the debate over the next several weeks.

— brian bennett, latimes.com, "Prospects of a deal for 'Dreamers' may hinge on separating Trump from hardliners on his staff," 9 Oct. 2017
There are 9 million millennial mothers in the U.S, and they've been shaped by technology.

— samantha brodsky, Good Housekeeping, "The Story Behind This Viral Photo Will Make You Think Twice Before You Judge Another Mom," 29 Sep. 2017
But Cassini was also able to capture things like the shifting of seasons, details of ring dynamics and the moons that shape them, and countless other details that will keep planetary scientists busy for decades.

— john timmer, Ars Technica, "Less than 24 hours until Cassini probe crashes into Saturn," 14 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'shape.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of shape

Middle English, from Old English sceapen, gescapen, past participle of scieppan; akin to Old High German skepfen to shape

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

See Words from the same year

shape Synonyms

Synonyms

acclimate, acclimatize, accommodate, adjust, condition, conform, doctor, edit, fashion, fit, put, adapt, suit, tailor

Near Antonyms

misadjust

shape

noun

Definition of shape

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

our plans are taking 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

play \ˌshāpt\ adjective

— in shape

: in an original, normal, or fit condition

exercises to keep in shape

See shape defined for English-language learners

Examples of shape in a Sentence

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.

Recent Examples of shape from the Web

Not bad for someone who just started running in June to get in shape for a different sport.

— tim tierney, Daily Southtown, "Cross country notes: Argo sophomore Abby Lopez races to front of pack," 29 Oct. 2017
Mix until dough is smooth and holds its shape, then add butter in chunks.

— lori stacy, star-telegram, "Baking memories," 27 Oct. 2017
Materials scientists have long relied on several strategies for making polymers, which consist of long, chainlike molecules and which can stretch and return to their original shape, like rubber bands.

— robert f. service, Science | AAAS, "Material inspired by ocean mussels could lead to self-healing plastics," 26 Oct. 2017
Look for the Red Devils to alter their shape slightly in crunch time in the playoffs.

— mike hutton, Post-Tribune, "Hutton: Indiana recruit Jordan Jusevitch makes sure Lowell defense never rests," 23 Oct. 2017
But the same protein is also part of the infection process; by changing its shape, the strains weaken themselves.

— ed yong, The Atlantic, "Will the World's Most Worrying Flu Virus Go Pandemic?," 19 Oct. 2017
Because an acid like vinegar or lemon juice is used to create the curds (rennet serves that purpose in most cheese), paneer retains its shape when heated.

— eric velasco, AL.com, "Where to get the best Indian paneer dishes in Birmingham," 19 Oct. 2017
Kids — and parents — gather round, and Ebb begins cajoling them to get into the rope, no matter their shape, size or age.

— justin wm. moyer, Washington Post, "‘Black girl magic’: D.C. Retro Jumpers remind D.C. how to double Dutch," 18 Oct. 2017
The rectangular piece of ice then appears to have lost some of its shape immediately as smaller pieces splintered off.

— chris mooney, chicagotribune.com, "Key Antarctic glacier just lost a piece of ice four times the size of Manhattan," 25 Sep. 2017

First Known Use of shape

before 12th century

shape Synonyms

Synonyms

estate, fettle, form, health, keeping, kilter, nick [British], order, repair, condition, trim

Related Words

practice (also practise); pass, phase, stage; footing, picture, posture, scene, status, situation; rank, standing

Near Antonyms

disorder, disrepair

SHAPE Defined for English Language Learners

shape

verb

Definition of shape for English Language Learners

: to give a particular form or shape to (something) : to work with (a material) in order to make something from it
: to influence the development of (something) : to help (something) become what it is
: to make (something, such as a plan) by a process of careful thought

shape

noun

Definition of shape for English Language Learners

: the form or outline of an object
: the condition of something or someone
: a physically strong and healthy condition

SHAPE Defined for Kids

shape

verb \ ˈshāp \

Definition of shape for Students

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.

—

shaper

noun

— shape up

1 : to develop in a particular way

This is shaping up to be an exciting trip.

2 : to improve in behavior or condition

shape

noun

Definition of shape for Students

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 : ¹condition 1

The car is in poor shape.

4 : a physically fit condition

She keeps in shape by exercising.

—

shaped

\ˌshāpt\ adjective

a heart-shaped cookie

Medical Dictionary

shape

transitive verb \ ˈshāp \

medical Definition of shape

shaped; shaping

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

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shape

Definition of shape

shaped

Examples of shape in a Sentence

Recent Examples of shape from the Web

First Known Use of shape

shape Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

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SHAPE Defined for English Language Learners

shape

Definition of shape for English Language Learners

shape

Definition of shape for English Language Learners

SHAPE Defined for Kids

shape

Definition of shape for Students

shaper

shape

Definition of shape for Students

shaped

Medical Dictionary

shape

medical Definition of shape

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