# bookshelves

/ˈbʊkˌʃɛɫvz/ (US) · /bˈʊkʃɛlvz/ (UK) · CEFR A2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bookshelves
Updated: 2026-05-31

## Definition

the long, flat parts of a bookcase where you put books. You can also use them to hold other items like photos or decorations.

For teachers: the horizontal shelves of a bookcase or cabinet, designed for the storage of books or other objects. Often used in the plural to refer to the entire structure or its functional components.

## Examples

- She filled the bookshelves with her favorite novels.
- The library was so quiet that the only sound was the soft rustle of pages against the wooden bookshelves.
- The architect designed the office with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves that served both as a display for the client's collection and as a subtle partition between the reception area and the private study.

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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.