Shelf: meaning, definitions and examples

This is a flat, horizontal surface attached to a wall or built into a piece of furniture, used to store items. Typically found in homes, offices, and libraries.

• She placed the books neatly on the shelf
• The kitchen shelf is filled with spices

This is a framework typically with bars, pegs, or hooks, designed to store or organize items, often used for clothes, bicycles, or dishes.

• She hung her coat on the rack by the door
• The bike rack outside the school is full

This is a narrow horizontal surface projecting from a wall or cliff. Often found in natural settings or as architectural features.

• The bird perched on the ledge of the building
• He carefully walked along the narrow ledge

This is a piece of furniture or structure designed to support an object. Common in situations involving displays, presentations, or musical instruments.

• He placed the vase on the stand in the corner
• The guitarist set up his music stand before the concert

A flat piece of wood, metal, or glass used for storing items such as books, dishes, or decorative items. Usually attached to a wall or inside furniture.

• She put the books back on the shelf.
• The kitchen shelf is full of spices.

A flat surface in a kitchen, store, or bar used for preparing food, serving drinks, or conducting transactions. Typically found in commercial or home kitchens, and customer service areas.

• She wiped the counter after preparing dinner.
• He placed the groceries on the counter.

A setup or arrangement of items meant to be viewed by an audience, often used in stores to showcase products for sale. Can also refer to visual presentations in exhibitions or museums.

• The store's window display attracted many customers.
• The museum has a new art display.

A framework, often with bars, used for holding or organizing items such as clothes, magazines, or wine. Typically used for storage or display purposes.

• He hung his coat on the rack by the door.
• The wine rack in the kitchen is full.

Use 'shelf' when talking about a flat surface in a room or a piece of furniture where you can place items such as books, decorations, or kitchen ingredients.

• I put all my cooking spices on the kitchen shelf.
• The new bookshelf has five shelves for storage.

Use 'store' when referring to keeping items in a specific place for future use, often for an extended period. This can also mean a retail establishment where items are sold.

• She likes to store her winter clothes in the attic during the summer.
• I need to store these documents in a safe place.

Use 'put away' when you want to describe the action of returning items to their proper place after use, often to keep things tidy.

• After playing with his toys, Timmy put them away in the toy box.
• Please put away your clothes; the room is a mess.

The word 'stock' is appropriate in contexts related to supplying items or products to a place, such as a store or warehouse, usually for future use or sale.

• They need to stock the shelves with new products before the big sale.
• The store is well-stocked with all the latest electronics.