- [countable, uncountable] the form of the outer edges or surfaces of something; an example of something that has a particular form
- a rectangular/spherical/cylindrical shape
- geometric shapes
- fantastic creatures that can change shape and be either visible or invisible
- You can recognize the fish by the shape of their fins.
- They have completely different body shapes.
- This old T-shirt has completely lost its shape.
- in shape The island was originally circular in shape.
- Several rooms are irregular in shape.
- Candles come in all shapes and sizes.
- Glass is blown or moulded into many shapes.
- in the shape of something The pool was in the shape of a heart.
- (figurative) The government provides money in the shape of (= consisting of) grants and student loans.
Extra ExamplesTopics Colours and Shapesa2- Squares, circles and triangles are types of shape.
- First draw the rough shape of your chosen animal.
- Fold the paper to make the shape of a cone.
- I recognized the distinctive shape of a 747.
- Ordinary things assumed different shapes in the mist.
- She drew inspiration from organic shapes in the surrounding landscape.
- The road forms an L shape.
- Opt for a hairstyle to suit your face shape.
- You can't change your natural body shape.
- The bruise was a sort of mushroom shape.
- The desk was an awkward shape and wouldn't fit through the door.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- basic
- simple
- overall
- …
- cut out
- draw
- make
- …
- appear
- emerge
- loom
- …
- shape for
- in the shape of
- all shapes and sizes
- circular, hexagonal, oblong, rectangular, etc. in shape
Definitions on the go
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- [countable] a person or thing that is difficult to see clearly synonym figure
- Ghostly shapes moved around in the dark.
- I could just make out a dark shape in the distance.
- An enormous shape loomed up out of the mist directly in front of me.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- basic
- simple
- overall
- …
- cut out
- draw
- make
- …
- appear
- emerge
- loom
- …
- shape for
- in the shape of
- all shapes and sizes
- circular, hexagonal, oblong, rectangular, etc. in shape
- [uncountable] the physical condition of somebody/something
- in … shape What sort of shape was the car in after the accident?
- He's in good shape for someone who had surgery six months ago.
- The ship was in bad shape as a result of damage sustained in the collision.
- He’s not in any shape (= not well enough) to be working.
Extra Examples- After the night before, he was in rough shape.
- My mother is in better physical shape than I am.
- She likes to stay in shape.
- (figurative) The economy is still in pretty good shape.
- (figurative) The company is in good financial shape.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- decent
- excellent
- fine
- …
- shape for
- get somebody/something into shape
- knock somebody/something into shape
- lick somebody/something into shape
- …
- [uncountable] the particular qualities or characteristics of something
- Will new technology change the shape of broadcasting?
- Prices vary according to the size and shape of each project.
- He did much to determine the shape of Asia's political map.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- general
- overall
- changing
- …
- alter
- change
- determine
- …
- the shape of things to come
- in any shape or form
Word OriginOld English gesceap ‘external form’, also ‘creation’, sceppan ‘create’, of Germanic origin.
Idioms
See shape in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee shape in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic Englishget bent out of shape (about/over something)
- (North American English, informal) to become angry, anxious or upset
- Don't get bent out of shape about it. It was just a mistake!
get (yourself) into shape
- to take exercise, eat healthy food, etc. in order to become physically fit
- I’m trying to get into shape before summer.
- I need to get back into shape after the Christmas holiday.
get/knock/lick somebody into shape
- to train somebody so that they do a particular job, task, etc. well
- It took him just two weeks to knock the new recruits into shape.
get/knock/lick something into shape
- to make something more acceptable, organized or successful
- I've got all the information together but it still needs knocking into shape.
- It shouldn’t take long to get the company back into shape.
give shape to something
- (formal) to express or explain a particular idea, plan, etc.
- Marie tried to find the right words to give shape to the confusion in her head.
in any (way,) shape or form
- (informal) of any type
- I don't approve of violence in any shape or form.
- I can't stand insects in any shape or form.
- I do not condone bullying in any way, shape or form.
(get/keep/stay) in shape
- (of a person) (to get/stay) in good physical condition
- You don't have to spend a fortune on gym membership to get in shape.
- I like to stay in shape.
out of shape
- not having the normal shape
- The wheel had been twisted out of shape.
- The bicycle had been battered out of shape.
- (of a person) not in good physical condition
- I didn’t realize how out of shape I was!
the shape of things to come
- the way things are likely to develop in the future
- Are solar-powered cars the shape of things to come?
- This new system could be the shape of things to come.
take shape
- to develop and become more complete or organized
- The garden is beginning to take shape.
- A new song began to take shape in her mind.
throw shapes
- (British English) to dance
- She spent the whole evening throwing shapes on the dance floor.
- (Irish English) to behave in a way that makes you seem to threaten somebody, especially by standing as though you are ready to fight, without actually becoming violent
- I was worried he might get violent but he was just throwing shapes.
- (figurative) The two main investors threw some shapes during the debate.
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shape