shaped; shaping
3
: to adapt in shape so as to fit neatly and closely
a dress shaped to her figure
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
1
: to come to pass : happen
it's shaping up that I am known now for my husbands—
Leslie Marmon Silko
Leslie Marmon Silko2
: 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
plural shapes
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
The plan is starting to come into shape.
see also take 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
Synonyms
Examples of shape in a Sentence
Verb
The artist shaped the stone with a hammer and chisel.
Schools shape the minds of future leaders.
Ads help shape public opinion.
Noun
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 on the Web
Marianne Lehnis, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
The exponential growth of sports’ popularity amongst women continues to shape not only Formula 1, but the entire global landscape with their spending power.
—Kanika Talwar, WWD, 21 Nov. 2024
Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 23 Nov. 2024
The Magma series comes in a bewildering array of sizes and shapes—there are nine sizes to choose from, ranging from Short Narrow, which weighs 2 pounds, to Long Wide, which is nearly 3 pounds.
—Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 22 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for shape 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Verb
Bias in recruitment remains a significant driver of entrenched inequality, shaping workplaces that often reflect the homogeneity of their decision-makers.
—Marianne Lehnis, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
The exponential growth of sports’ popularity amongst women continues to shape not only Formula 1, but the entire global landscape with their spending power.
—Kanika Talwar, WWD, 21 Nov. 2024
Noun
Automotive leaders come in all shapes and sizes—some unabashedly charismatic, others militaristically tactical.
—Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 23 Nov. 2024
The Magma series comes in a bewildering array of sizes and shapes—there are nine sizes to choose from, ranging from Short Narrow, which weighs 2 pounds, to Long Wide, which is nearly 3 pounds.
—Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 22 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for shape
Articles Related to shape
Dictionary Entries Near shape
Cite this Entry
“Shape.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shape. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
shape
1 of 2 verb
shaped; shaping
1
: to give a certain form or shape to
shape the dough into loaves
2
: to change in shape so as to fit neatly and closely
a hat shaped close to the head
3
4
: to make fit especially for some purpose
shaping the minds of future leaders
5
: to take on or approach a definite form
—often used with up
shaper
noun
shape
2 of 2 noun1
: outward appearance : form
the shape of a pearl
2
: the outline of a body : figure
a square shape
3
: definite form and arrangement
a plan now taking shape
4
: something having a certain form
5
: the condition in which something or someone is at a certain time
the car was in poor shape
Medical Definition
shape
transitive verb
shaped; shaping
: to modify (behavior) by rewarding changes that tend toward a desired response
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