shape Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)
    configuration; contour; form; conformation.
    • he could barely make out their shapes
  2. noun the spatial arrangement of something as distinct from its substance
    form.
    • geometry is the mathematical science of shape
  3. noun alternative names for the body of a human being
    form; figure; flesh; soma; frame; physique; material body; anatomy; chassis; build; human body; physical body; bod.
    • Leonardo studied the human body
    • he has a strong physique
    • the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
  4. noun a concrete representation of an otherwise nebulous concept
    embodiment.
    • a circle was the embodiment of his concept of life
  5. noun the visual appearance of something or someone
    cast; form.
    • the delicate cast of his features
  6. noun the state of (good) health (especially in the phrases `in condition' or `in shape' or `out of condition' or `out of shape')
    condition.
  7. noun the supreme headquarters that advises NATO on military matters and oversees all aspects of the Allied Command Europe
    Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe.
  8. noun a perceptual structure
    pattern; form.
    • the composition presents problems for students of musical form
    • a visual pattern must include not only objects but the spaces between them
  9. verb shape or influence; give direction to
    influence; regulate; mold; determine.
    • experience often determines ability
    • mold public opinion
  10. verb make something, usually for a specific function
    mould; form; work; forge; mold.
    • She molded the rice balls carefully
    • Form cylinders from the dough
    • shape a figure
    • Work the metal into a sword
  11. verb give shape or form to
    form.
    • shape the dough
    • form the young child's character

WordNet

Shape transitive verb
Etymology
OE. shapen, schapen, AS. sceapian. The p. p. shapen is from the strong verb, AS. scieppan, scyppan, sceppan, p. p. sceapen. See Shape, n.
Wordforms
imperfect Shaped past participle Shaped or Shapen present participle & verbal noun Shaping
Definitions
  1. To form or create; especially, to mold or make into a particular form; to give proper form or figure to.
    I was shapen in iniquity. Ps. li. 5.
    Grace shaped her limbs, and beauty decked her face. Prior.
  2. To adapt to a purpose; to regulate; to adjust; to direct; as, to shape the course of a vessel.
    To the stream, when neither friends, nor force, Nor spead nor art avail, he shapes his course. Denham.
    Charmed by their eyes, their manners I acqire, And shape my foolishness to their desire. Prior.
  3. To image; to conceive; to body forth.
    Oft my jealousy Shapes faults that are not. Shak.
  4. To design; to prepare; to plan; to arrange.
    When shapen was all this conspiracy, From point to point. Chaucer.
    I will early shape me therefor. Chaucer.
Shape intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To suit; to be adjusted or conformable. R. Shak.
Shape noun
Etymology
OE. shap, schap, AS. sceap in gesceap creation, creature, fr. the root of scieppan, scyppan, sceppan, to shape, to do, to effect; akin to OS. giskeppian, OFries. skeppa, D. scheppen, G. schaffen, OHG. scaffan, scepfen, skeffen, Icer. skapa, skepja, Dan. skabe, skaffe, Sw. skapa, skaffa, Goth. gaskapjan, and perhaps to E. shave, v. Cf. -ship.
Definitions
  1. Character or construction of a thing as determining its external appearance; outward aspect; make; figure; form; guise; as, the shape of a tree; the shape of the head; an elegant shape.
    He beat me grievously, in the shape of a woman. Shak.
  2. That which has form or figure; a figure; an appearance; a being.
    Before the gates three sat, On either side, a formidable shape. Milton.
  3. A model; a pattern; a mold.
  4. Form of embodiment, as in words; form, as of thought or conception; concrete embodiment or example, as of some quality. Milton.
  5. Dress for disguise; guise. Obs.
    Look better on this virgin, and consider This Persian shape laid by, and she appearing In a Greekish dress. Messinger.
  6. (Iron Manuf.) (a) A rolled or hammered piece, as a bar, beam, angle iron, etc., having a cross section different from merchant bar. (b) A piece which has been roughly forged nearly to the form it will receive when completely forged or fitted.

Webster 1913