take shape

idiomatic 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.
Though the museum will take shape in the 9th Ward, Englewood’s 16th Ward Alderman Stephanie D. Coleman, chairwoman of the Chicago Aldermanic Black Caucus, hosted its dedication ceremony. Susan Degrane, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025 In the backdrop an organic film and TV ecosystem is also taking shape. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 3 Apr. 2025 In a digital landscape increasingly defined by user concerns over privacy and control, a quiet revolution is taking shape. Damion Taylor, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025 Now the most frightening versions are taking shape, as specters in the hallways of the ivory tower. Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 30 Mar. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Take shape.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20shape. Accessed 9 Apr. 2025.

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