shelf

Meaning

Noun

1. A flat, rigid structure, fixed at right angles to a wall or forming a part of a cabinet, desk, etc., and used to display, store, or support objects.
2. The capacity of such an object
3. A projecting ledge that resembles such an object.
4. The part of a repository where shelvesets are stored.

Verb

Alternative form of shelve.

Verb

Alternative form of shelve.

Synonyms

rack

ledge

cupboard

stand

table

mantel

closet

plank

stall

bookshelf

board

frame

rock

🪨

pantry

patch

trellis

drawer

dresser

counter

bookcase

bed

🛏️

level

cabinet

🗄️

continental shelf

framework

bracket

reef

rig

rung

shallows

shelves

shelving

shoal

sideboard

slope

snag

socle

steadier

step

stretcher

support

supporter

terrace

trestle

wardrobe

whatnot

book-case

closing down

wooden board

manteltree

Translations

étagère

estante

Regal

prateleira

schap

scaffale

plank

anaquel

repisa

estante

rayon

prestatge

Brett

ράφι

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ʃɛlf/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: schelfe

Inherited from Old English: sċielfe

Cognate with Dutch: schelf

Cognate with Old Norse: skjalf

Cognate with Middle English: shelp

Cognate with Old English: scylp

Cognate with Middle Dutch:

In summary

From Middle English schelfe, probably from Old English sċylfe, sċilfe (“shelf, ledge, deck of a ship”), from Proto-West Germanic *skilfijā, from Proto-Germanic *skelfō (“shelf, ledge, cliff”), from Proto-Indo-European *(s)kelH- (“to cut”), distantly related to sculpt, carve and shell. Cognate with Dutch schelf (“hay loft, haystack”), German Low German Schelf (“haystack”), Old Norse skjalf (“bench”).