nutshell

noun

nut·​shell ˈnət-ˌshel 

1

: the hard external covering in which the kernel of a nut is enclosed

2

: something of small size, amount, or scope

Phrases

in a nutshell

: in a very brief statement

Examples of nutshell in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In a nutshell, Democrats are getting hammered on immigration, as polls continue to show more voters say former President Donald Trump and Republicans are better able to control the flow at the border. —Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 May 2024

This, in a nutshell, is what Joe Biden’s campaign believes to be its biggest structural problem — that the race does not yet sufficiently revolve around Trump. —Jason Zengerle, New York Times, 26 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing nutshell

• in a nutshell

Kids Definition

nutshell

noun

nut·​shell ˈnət-ˌshel 

: the shell of a nut