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. See More
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Among the dozens of photographs from the Fairchild archives on display are pictures spotlighting several musical luminaries who helped shape and define New York fashion over the decades. Joe Lynch, Billboard, 9 Sep. 2022 In fact, slugging my way through 1998’s Altered Beast and 1989’s River City Ransom no doubt helped shape my career choice.WIRED, 6 Sep. 2022 Before Europeans arrived in North America, beavers’ engineering helped to shape the landscape and hydrology of the continent from coast to coast.The Salt Lake Tribune, 6 Sep. 2022 Schultz, a longtime CEO who helped shape Starbucks after buying it in 1987, came out of retirement and assumed the interim CEO job in March after the company’s former CEO, Kevin Johnson, announced his retirement. Dee-ann Durbin, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2022 Raisa’s classmates were an extraordinary cohort of postwar Soviet thinkers, and that, perhaps more than anything else, helped shape the policies that will forever be synonymous with Gorbachev’s name: glasnost and perestroika. Masha Gessen, The New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2022 Balazs, a pioneering hospitality impresario (also known for his influential vision at the trendy Standard chain, as well as the chic Mercer in Manhattan), has helped shape the boutique hotel market in recent decades. Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Aug. 2022 The Marble trust, which has already reported donations totaling nearly $229 million to other nonprofits, will expand the capabilities of a network of nonprofit groups that Mr. Leo has helped shape and guide in recent years.New York Times, 22 Aug. 2022 Some outside analysts and friends of the family suspect that Dugin, an ideologue who helped shape the Kremlin’s narrative about Ukraine, was the real target. Robyn Dixon, Washington Post, 22 Aug. 2022
Noun
Celebrity stylist Kim Appelt suggests SKIMS Cotton Ribbed Tank for anyone who has a larger chest or an hourglass body shape. Olivia Muenter, Peoplemag, 11 Sep. 2022 And how will this seismic shift shape things back home?ABC News, 11 Sep. 2022 Against the backdrop of Morocco’s port city, a new style takes shape, with dramatic denim, slender lines and striking shades.WSJ, 11 Sep. 2022 The mid-size SUV has a robust and boxy shape that’s not entirely dissimilar from the Wrangler. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2022 Travis Etienne, the 25th overall pick in the 2021 draft who missed his entire rookie season following a foot injury, is likely to see more playing time while Robinson works his way back into playing shape. Mark Long, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Sep. 2022 Create a 90-degree elbow and shoulder position, and hold firm in this shape. Esther Smith, Outside Online, 9 Sep. 2022 Juxtapose the organic shape of the leaves with a modern planter like this DIY option from the blog Pretty Nice. Brittney Morgan, House Beautiful, 8 Sep. 2022 The shape of the Ugg sofa, for example, was inspired by furniture from an eighties videos game, whereas the shoe silhouettes are borrowed from the blueprint to assemble Ugg shoes. Elise Taylor, Vogue, 8 Sep. 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Verb
Middle English, from Old English sceapen, gescapen, past participle of scieppan; akin to Old High German skepfen to shape