Illustration of cockleshell
- cockleshell 1a
cockleshell
noun
cock·le·shell
ˈkä-kəl-ˌshel 
1
a
: the shell or one of the shell valves of a cockle
b
: a shell (such as a scallop shell) suggesting a cockleshell
2
: a light flimsy boat
Examples of cockleshell in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This popular Spanish-inspired dish was served in cockleshells so reminiscent the Galicia region of Spain’s cathedral city of Santiago de Compostela.
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Jane Napier Neely, La Cañada Valley Sun, 24 Apr. 2017
Jane Napier Neely, La Cañada Valley Sun, 24 Apr. 2017
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cockleshell.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Time Traveler
The first known use of cockleshell was
in the 15th century
Dictionary Entries Near cockleshell
Cite this Entry
“Cockleshell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cockleshell. Accessed 28 Sep. 2023.
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Kids Definition
cockleshell
noun
cock·le·shell
ˈkäk-əl-ˌshel
1
a
: a shell or shell valve of a cockle
b
: a shell (as a scallop) that looks like a cockleshell
2
: a light flimsy boat
More from Merriam-Webster on cockleshell
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for cockleshell
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