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.
Hearts are breaking all over America and the world as the devastating stories from Texas continue to take shape. Theresa Payton, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 July 2025 Speaking over Zoom, Samberg and fellow series co-creator Neil Campbell recall how the show began to take shape during their time on Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Josh Weiss, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025 With the playoff race beginning to take shape, the Revolution are in a rut with 11 games remaining. Julian Cardillo, Boston Herald, 20 July 2025 James Gunn is clearing up reports about the future of Wonder Woman as his DC Universe takes shape on the big screen following the release of Superman. Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 18 July 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 25 Jul. 2025.

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