Shelf

Definition

The noun "shelf" refers to (1) a flat, horizontal surface fixed to a wall or forming part of a piece of furniture for holding or displaying objects; (2) a projecting ledge of rock, sand, or land, especially under water (e.g., continental shelf); and (3) figuratively, a position of inactivity or suspension (on the shelf).

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ʃɛlf/
• Respelling: SHELF

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ʃɛlf/
• Respelling: SHELF

Etymology

"Shelf" comes from Old English scylfe / scylf “ledge, porch, shelf,” related to Proto‑Germanic *skilb‑. Cognates include Old Norse skjalf “bench” and German dialectal schelfe “ledge.” The geological sense arose in the late 16th century.

Derivatives

• Shelves (plural noun)
• Shelving (noun / present participle)
• Bookshelf (noun)
• Self‑assembly shelf (compound noun)
• Shelved (adjective / past participle, figurative)

Synonyms

• Ledge
• Rack
• Mantel
• Bracket
• Board

Antonyms

• Floor (opposite surface of support)
• Void

Usage

"Shelf" is frequent in interior design, geology, retail, and idiomatic expressions. Examples: "She arranged the novels neatly on the shelf," "Fishing is restricted along the continental shelf," and "The plan was put on the shelf until funding improves."

Related Terms

• Cabinet: A box‑shaped piece of furniture with doors, shelves, or drawers.
• Bracket: An angled support fixed to a wall for holding a shelf.
• Continental shelf: The submerged border of a continent extending to the deep ocean floor.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A flat horizontal surface attached to a wall or within furniture: Provides storage or display space for items.
  • Example: "The kitchen shelf held spices and utensils."
• A projecting natural ledge of rock, sand, or soil: Refers to coastal or underwater formations.
  • Example: "Coral thrives on the shallow shelf surrounding the island."
• A figurative state of inactivity, postponement, or retirement (on the shelf): Indicates something set aside.
  • Example: "After the merger, several projects were kept on the shelf."