Illustration of softshell
soft·shell
ˈsȯf(t)-ˌshel 
: any of a family (Trionychidae) of freshwater carnivorous turtles that have sharp claws and mandibles and a flat round shell covered with soft leathery skin instead of with horny plates
called also soft-shelled turtle
variants
or soft-shelled
: having a soft or fragile shell especially as a result of recent shedding
soft-shell crabs
Examples of softshell in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Anne Taylor, Travel + Leisure, 5 Sep. 2025
After extensive market research, only one answer made sense: consumers had suddenly become more savvy about the quality of softshell jackets.
—Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2025
Christopher Murray
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Guardian Caps – a soft-shell padding that fit over traditional football helmets – are more commonly seen in practice but can be used in games.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for softshell
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Noun
Columbia Women’s Sweet As III Hooded Softshell Jacket A softshell jacket is another quintessential fall hiking piece.
—Anne Taylor, Travel + Leisure, 5 Sep. 2025
After extensive market research, only one answer made sense: consumers had suddenly become more savvy about the quality of softshell jackets.
—Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
Original price: $149 The Ridge Runner soft-shell vest is a lightweight option that’s best for wearing over sweatshirts in cooler weather.
—Christopher Murray
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Guardian Caps – a soft-shell padding that fit over traditional football helmets – are more commonly seen in practice but can be used in games.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for softshell
Cite this Entry
“Softshell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/softshell. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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