nutshell

noun

nut·​shell ˈnət-ˌshel How to pronounce nutshell (audio)
1
: the hard external covering in which the kernel of a nut is enclosed
2
: something of small size, amount, or scope
Phrases
in a nutshell
: in a very brief statement

Examples of nutshell in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For Hofstadter, that’s intelligence in a nutshell. James Somers, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025 In a nutshell, the Trojan prince Paris sails to Sparta to capture Helen, the beautiful wife of the king of Sparta, Menelaus. Elizabeth D. Samet, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2025 Which sums up Lanthimos’ films in a nutshell, really. Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 29 Oct. 2025 To me, that’s heterosexual relationships in a nutshell. Keaton Bell, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for nutshell

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of nutshell was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nutshell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nutshell. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

nutshell

noun
nut·​shell ˈnət-ˌshel How to pronounce nutshell (audio)
: the shell of a nut

More from Merriam-Webster on nutshell

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!