off the shelf

1 of 2

phrase

Synonyms of off the shelfnext
: available from stock : not made to order
off the shelf equipment

off-the-shelf

2 of 2

adjective

ˈȯf-ṯẖə-ˈshelf How to pronounce off-the-shelf (audio)
: available as a stock item : not specially designed or custom-made
off-the-shelf software

Synonyms of off the shelf

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Adjective

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Examples of off the shelf in a Sentence

Adjective she chose to have her computer designed to her specifications rather than buying an off-the-shelf machine
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.
Phrase
Fast-forward to today, and the brand’s shampoos, conditioners, hair oils, hair masks, and more are flying off the shelf—while the bond-repairing-product business is utterly booming. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 24 Aug. 2026 The woman apparently noticed the surveillance camera, and ripped it off the shelf. — Ali Bauman, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
Adjective
The sudden availability of an off-the-shelf telescope led to a redesign of WFIRST. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2026 Suddenly the $700 off-the-shelf Luccheses feel like a bargain. — Christine Lennon, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for off the shelf

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of off the shelf was in 1950

Rhymes for off the shelf

See All Rhymes for off the shelf

Browse Nearby Words

off-the-record
off the shelf
off-the-shelf
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Off the shelf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/off%20the%20shelf. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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