take shape

phrase

: to assume a definite or distinctive form : to develop and become apparent or established
The plan is finally taking shape.
Edison's tireless work habits took shape during his childhood …—Paul Gray
The proto-planetary fragments crashed together, coalesced by gravity, and crashed again into other fragments, until they gradually took shape as the planets we know today.—M. Mitchell Waldrop
… the first half of the century, before the modern medical system took shape.—Geoffrey Cowley

Examples of take shape in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But even more transformative integration plans are taking shape. — Firmesk Rahim, The Conversation, 5 Aug. 2026 Across the Valley Isle, a new‑normal visitor experience takes shape as Maui moves through late 2026 and into next summer. — David Dickstein, Oc Register, 5 Aug. 2026 The Treasure Valley’s fourth Costco is taking shape at the southeast corner of Meridian and Lake Hazel roads in South Meridian. — Rose Evans august 4, Idaho Statesman, 4 Aug. 2026 Research partnership takes shape The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s NIMBUS Lab will contribute expertise in autonomous systems, field robotics, and intelligent machine research as the project moves forward. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for take shape

Word History

First Known Use

1560, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of take shape was in 1560

Rhymes for take shape

See All Rhymes for take shape

Browse Nearby Words

take root
take shape
take ship
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Take shape.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20shape. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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