carapace
noun
car·a·pace
ˈker-ə-ˌpās 
ˈka-rə-
1
: a bony or chitinous case or shield covering the back or part of the back of an animal (such as a turtle or crab)
2
: a protective, decorative, or disguising shell
The carapace of reserve he built around himself …—
M. M. Mintz
M. M. MintzExamples of carapace in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Time draws these kids osmotically through a membrane, turning them into things like us, adults captured by the brittle carapaces of our egos.
—Literary Hub, 10 Feb. 2026
Stick with the shell not just for a more affordable option but because the outer carapace contains lots of flavors and can be used to create a fish broth.
—Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 22 Dec. 2025
Also in the Tuamotus, on the atoll of Tikehau, divers head out to Tuheiava Pass with Tikehau Diving for regular sightings of mantas at a cleaning station (pinnacles that draw large fish to have their gills, teeth, and carapaces cleaned by smaller ones).
—Terry Ward, AFAR Media, 11 Sep. 2025
The carapace, or hard exterior, is smooth and without small hairs, according to the study.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for carapace
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Literary Hub, 10 Feb. 2026
Stick with the shell not just for a more affordable option but because the outer carapace contains lots of flavors and can be used to create a fish broth.
—Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 22 Dec. 2025
Also in the Tuamotus, on the atoll of Tikehau, divers head out to Tuheiava Pass with Tikehau Diving for regular sightings of mantas at a cleaning station (pinnacles that draw large fish to have their gills, teeth, and carapaces cleaned by smaller ones).
—Terry Ward, AFAR Media, 11 Sep. 2025
The carapace, or hard exterior, is smooth and without small hairs, according to the study.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for carapace
Cite this Entry
“Carapace.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carapace. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
carapace
noun
car·a·pace
ˈkar-ə-ˌpās
: a bony or horny case or shield covering all or part of the back of an animal (as a turtle)
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