half shell

noun

Updated on: 14 Apr 2018

Definition of half shell

: either of the valves of a bivalve

— on the half shell

: served in a half shell

oysters on the half shell

See half shell defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of half shell from the Web

In the Living Room, with its talked-about portrait of Lil Wayne by Ashley Longshore, the menu offers drinks, desserts and small plates, like oysters on the half shell, cocktail meatballs and fritto misto.

— todd a. price, NOLA.com, "Fun is the goal at Jack Rose restaurant inside the Pontchartrain Hotel: opening alert," 10 Apr. 2018
But many of the winningest memories from here inevitably involve food: lobster tail fried on a stick; whelks expertly roasted in butter and chives; sweet and creamy scallop ceviche; and crisp, minerally oysters on the half shell everywhere.

— tyler graham, Condé Nast Traveler, "Exploring the Magdalen Islands, Canada's Remote Foodie Paradise," 2 Apr. 2018
Finish the day with oysters on the half shell at Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar, named after the historic fishing reef that sits directly south.

— the editors, Outside Online, "The 25 Trips You Need to Take This Year," 20 Mar. 2018
Let’s hope that your wine never tastes like cocktail sauce, that zippy red stuff that comes with shrimp appetizers and raw oysters on the half shell.

— michael austin, chicagotribune.com, "Should wine be savored or guzzled? For true pleasure, mindset matters," 14 Mar. 2018
Additionally, $1 oysters on the half shell will be available while supplies last.

— AJC.com, "Super Bowl LII parties in Atlanta: Head to these bars for food and drink specials," 1 Feb. 2018
Oysters are programmed to start storing glycogen when temperatures dip, and January’s arctic blast will translate to a sweeter, fuller taste come February — the peak time to harvest oysters for raw consumption on the half shell.

— paul stephen, San Antonio Express-News, "Shuck it: It’s peak oyster time in Texas," 17 Jan. 2018
Dupuy’s is famous for its oysters on the half shell and large variety of seafood items, and the Hebert family is committed to keeping the customers coming back for more.

— shari puterman, The Seattle Times, "Despite risks, Abbeville restaurant withstands test of time," 13 Jan. 2018
Her scallops, grilled on the half shell, were plump and juicy.

— adam h. graham, Condé Nast Traveler, "The Ise-Shima Peninsula Is a Portal Into Old Japan," 2 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'half shell.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.