1. a flat piece of wood, metal, or other material, fixed horizontally to a wall or in a frame, used for storing or displaying items
2. a ledge of rock, coral, or sand under water near a shore
Usage: geological

1. to place or arrange on a shelf
2. to postpone or abandon a plan or project
Usage: informal

Examples

• She placed the books on the top shelf.
• The grocery store shelf was empty after the sale.
• The ship ran aground on a coral shelf.
• Please shelf these documents in alphabetical order.
• The company decided to shelf the project due to budget cuts.
• He shelved his plans to travel abroad.
• The bathroom shelf holds towels and toiletries.