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

Accepted items include packing material, cups, clamshells, meat trays, egg cartons and ice chests. — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2026

The brand has accounted for this scenario by including a suitcase-style clamshell opening with a mesh divider to keep things organized. — Alison Syrett Cleary, InStyle, 2 July 2026

Some are traditional clamshell laptops while others are 2-in-1 models. — Larry Magid, Mercury News, 25 June 2026

The best-selling Taygeer Travel Backpack packs just like a suitcase, with clamshell compartments that can store up to a week’s worth of outfits. — Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 26 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1520, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for clamshell

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

Kids Definition

clamshell

noun

clam·​shell ˈklam-ˌshel 

: the shell of a clam