# bookshelf

/ˈbʊkˌʃɛɫf/ (US) · /bˈʊkʃɛlf/ (UK) · CEFR A1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bookshelf
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

a long, flat piece of furniture with shelves for holding books. You use it to keep your books organized in one place.

For teachers: a piece of furniture consisting of a series of horizontal shelves used for the storage and display of books.

## Examples

- I put my new novel on the top bookshelf.
- The library has several high bookshelves that reach the ceiling to hold thousands of rare manuscripts.
- The architect designed the living room with built-in bookshelves that blend seamlessly into the wall, creating a sense of continuity between the floor and the ceiling.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.