off-the-shelf
[ awf-th uh-shelf, of- ]
/ ˈɔf ðəˈʃɛlf, ˈɒf- /
adjective
readily available from merchandise in stock.
made according to a standardized format; not developed for specialized or individual needs; ready-made: off-the-shelf computer programs.
Origin of off-the-shelf
First recorded in 1945–50
Words nearby off-the-shelf
off-the-face,
off-the-job,
off-the-peg,
off-the-rack,
off-the-record,
off-the-shelf,
off-the-wall,
off-topic,
off-trail,
off-white,
off-year election
Definition for off the shelf (2 of 2)
shelf
[ shelf ]
/ ʃɛlf /
noun, plural shelves [shelvz] /ʃɛlvz/.
a thin slab of wood, metal, etc., fixed horizontally to a wall or in a frame, for supporting objects.
the contents of this: a shelf of books.
a surface or projection resembling this; ledge.
Physical Geography.
- a sandbank or submerged extent of rock in the sea or river.
- the bedrock underlying an alluvial deposit or the like.
- continental shelf.
Archery.
the upper part of the bow hand, on which the arrow rests.
Origin of shelf
1350–1400; Middle English; Old English
scylfe; akin to Low German
schelf shelf, Old Norse
-skjalf bench
OTHER WORDS FROM shelf
shelf·like, adjectiveBritish Dictionary definitions for off the shelf (1 of 2)
off the shelf
adverb
from stock and readily available
you can have this model off the shelf
adjective (off-the-shelf when prenominal)
of or relating to a product that is readily available
an off-the-shelf model
of or denoting a company that has been registered with the Registrar of Companies for the sole purpose of being sold
British Dictionary definitions for off the shelf (2 of 2)
shelf
/ (ʃɛlf) /
noun plural shelves (ʃɛlvz)
verb
(tr) Australian slang
to inform upon
Derived forms of shelf
shelflike, adjectiveWord Origin for shelf
Old English
scylfe ship's deck; related to Middle Low German
schelf shelf, Old English
scylf crag
Scientific definitions for off the shelf
shelf
[ shĕlf ]
See continental shelf.
Idioms and Phrases with off the shelf (1 of 2)
off the shelf
Ready-made, available from merchandise or in stock, as opposed to a special order. For example, Sometimes you can get a better discount by buying an appliance off the shelf. [First half of 1900s] Also see off the rack; on the shelf.
Idioms and Phrases with off the shelf (2 of 2)
shelf
see off the shelf; on the shelf.