clamshell
noun
clam·shell
ˈklam-ˌshel 
1
: the shell of a clam
2
a
: a bucket or grapple (as on a dredge) having two hinged jaws
b
: an excavating machine having a clamshell
c
: either of a pair of doors (as in an airplane tail) that open out and away from each other
d
: a hinged container, case, or cover that opens like the shell of a clam
Examples of clamshell in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Samsung’s clamshell leans into a more clean, minimalist design with a traditional matte glass and aluminum chassis.
—
Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 2 May 2026
The to-go containers the diners complained about were a one-piece black clamshell container.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2026
Back in the original clamshell packaging or container is fine.
—Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 20 Apr. 2026
Oh, right – instead of a cockpit, the aircraft has a pair of clamshell doors and no place for a crew.
—David Szondy
march 11, New Atlas, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for clamshell
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Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 2 May 2026
The to-go containers the diners complained about were a one-piece black clamshell container.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2026
Back in the original clamshell packaging or container is fine.
—Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 20 Apr. 2026
Oh, right – instead of a cockpit, the aircraft has a pair of clamshell doors and no place for a crew.
—David Szondy
march 11, New Atlas, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for clamshell
Cite this Entry
“Clamshell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clamshell. Accessed 7 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
clamshell
noun
clam·shell
ˈklam-ˌshel
: the shell of a clam
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