shape
7 ENTRIES FOUND:
plural
shapes
plural
shapes
Britannica Dictionary definition of SHAPE
1
:
the form or outline of an object
[count]
-
circles, squares, triangles, and other geometric shapes
-
The cake has a rectangular/circular shape.
-
The pieces came in many different sizes and shapes.
-
a cookie in the shape of a heart [=a cookie shaped like a heart]
-
The cloud took the shape of a dog. [=the cloud looked like a dog]
[noncount]
-
The pieces were sorted by size and shape.
-
The cloud kept changing shape.
-
The cake was rectangular/circular in shape.
-
The bike's rim was bent out of shape. [=it was bent so that it was not its usual round shape]
2
[noncount]
a
:
the condition of something or someone
— usually used with in
-
The car was in good/bad/poor shape.
-
He's in better/worse shape now.
-
All the players are in top/excellent shape.
-
She has had quite a few glasses of wine and is in no shape to drive. [=she shouldn't drive because she has drunk too much wine]
-
Their marriage is in bad/good shape.
b
:
a physically strong and healthy condition
— often used figuratively
-
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/licked/knocked/got them into shape.
-
She stays/keeps in shape by exercising daily and eating well.
-
It will cost billions of dollars to get the company back in shape. [=back into good condition]
3
[noncount]
:
the way something is done
:
the form of something
-
Computer technology has changed the shape of communication.
-
They offered help in the shape of [=in the form of] a loan. [=the help they offered was a loan]
-
That behavior is not acceptable in any way, shape, or form. [=it is not at all acceptable]
-
Another newspaper has stopped publication. Is this the shape of things to come in the newspaper business? [=is this what the future of the newspaper business is going to be like?]
4
[noncount]
:
a definite form or arrangement of something
-
The plan is finally taking shape.
-
His discussions with fellow professors and his students gave shape to his book.
5
[count]
:
a person or thing that cannot be seen clearly
-
I saw a vague shape [=figure] in the dark.
-
dark shapes moving in the shadows
bent out of shape
2
shape
/ˈʃeɪp/
verb
shapes;
shaped;
shaping
2
shape
/ˈʃeɪp/
verb
shapes;
shaped;
shaping
Britannica Dictionary definition of SHAPE
[+ object]
1
:
to give a particular form or shape to (something)
:
to work with (a material) in order to make something from it
— often + into
-
The artist shaped the stone with a hammer and chisel.
-
Shape the dough into loaves.
2
:
to influence the development of (something)
:
to help (something) become what it is
-
Schools shape the minds of future leaders.
-
Ads help shape public opinion.
3
:
to make (something, such as a plan) by a process of careful thought
-
They have shaped [=devised] a careful strategy for winning the election.
shape up
[phrasal verb] informal
1
:
to happen or develop in a particular way
-
Our plans are shaping up nicely.
-
This is shaping up to be an exciting year. [=it looks like this will be an exciting year]
2
a
:
to start behaving in a better or more acceptable way
-
You'd better shape up and start studying.
-
If he doesn't shape up, he's going to be fired.
◊ In informal U.S. English, if you are told to shape up or ship out, you will have to leave your job, position, etc., if you do not improve your behavior.
b
shape up (someone or something)
or
shape (someone or something) up
:
to cause (someone or something) to start behaving in a better or more acceptable way
-
She has really shaped up the sales department.
3
:
to make your body stronger and healthier by exercising
-
He has been shaping up at the gym.
