When something has a shape, it has a particular form or outline. A basketball is round, a stop sign is octagonal, and a slice of pizza is triangular. These are all different shapes. When you draw a circle, square, or star, you're drawing shapes.

The word can also mean the physical condition of something or someone. An athlete might be in great shape after months of training, while someone recovering from illness might say they're getting back in shape. You might hear someone describe an old car as being in bad shape if it's rusty and barely runs.

To shape something means to form it into a particular configuration. A potter shapes clay into bowls and vases. A sculptor shapes stone into statues. Teachers sometimes say they help shape young minds, meaning they influence how students think and learn.

The word appears in useful expressions: When something is taking shape, it's beginning to form or develop, like a science fair project that's finally coming together. When you shape up, you improve your behavior or performance after someone has given you a warning.