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, this is the idea that LLM engines can go beyond just predicting words or simulating conversation, and start doing things themselves. —John Werner, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025

That’s the Weymouth baseball and softball teams in a nutshell. —Danny Ventura, Boston Herald, 26 Apr. 2025

In a nutshell, coach Rod Brind’Amour is pretty comfortable with his defense. —Cory Lavalette, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025

In a nutshell, this Mango crossbody is trendy without being loud: a balance that will serve you well, especially when paired with a maxi skirt, white sneakers, and a transitional-weather cashmere sweater almost as soft as the item itself. —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for nutshell

• barbell
• bedwell
• befell
• bluebell
• bombshell
• bridewell
• capelle
• cartel
• carvel
• clamshell
• cogswell
• compel

Kids Definition

nutshell

noun

nut·​shell ˈnət-ˌshel 

: the shell of a nut