nutshell

noun nut·shell \ ˈnət-ˌshel \

Updated on: 26 Apr 2018

Definition of nutshell

1 : the hard external covering in which the kernel of a nut is enclosed

2 : something of small size, amount, or scope

— in a nutshell

: in a very brief statement

See nutshell defined for English-language learners

See nutshell defined for kids

Recent Examples of nutshell from the Web

That, in a nutshell, is one reason the U.S. healthcare system is the most expensive in the world.

— david lazarus, latimes.com, "The insanity of covering a $50,000 knee operation but not a relatively cheap injection," 20 Apr. 2018
As the series finale approaches, both loyal and lapsed fans may recall one memorable episode that illustrated the show’s early promise and its worst impulses—essentially Scandal in a nutshell.

— tanisha c. ford, The Atlantic, "The Episode That Captured the Best and Worst of Scandal," 19 Apr. 2018
Now there’s carb back-loading, which—in a nutshell—entails eating most of your carbs at night.

— Health.com, "Carb Back-Loading Might Be the Next Big Weight Loss Trend—But Should You Try It?," 19 Apr. 2018
This is to comply with new privacy rules, called General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), that go into effect in the European Union in late May. In a nutshell, the rules look to get the user more controls over how their data is used.

— jefferson graham, USA TODAY, "Apple will make it simpler to download your privacy data this year," 17 Apr. 2018
This was Ryan’s policy program in a nutshell: Talk a good game about social responsibility, while funneling huge sums to the wealthy.

— alex shephard, The New Republic, "Paul Ryan's departure marks the end of an era—and the further Trumpification of the Republican Party.," 12 Apr. 2018
That, in a nutshell, has been the thrust of Braun’s insurgent campaign.

— robert king, Indianapolis Star, "Mike Braun, a Republican Senate candidate, brings casual attire but serious business credentials," 12 Apr. 2018
So, in a nutshell, Liverpool were VERY good and City were simply outplayed at Anfield - not for the first time this season.

— SI.com, "Twitter Reacts to Man City's 'Nightmare' Capitulation in Unexpected UCL Thumping From Liverpool," 4 Apr. 2018
In a nutshell, Rashid's exploit works by replacing the genuine firmware with unauthorized code while at the same time causing the MCU to send the Secure Element the official firmware image.

— dan goodin, Ars Technica, "A “tamper-proof” currency wallet just got backdoored by a 15-year-old," 21 Mar. 2018

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

First Known Use of nutshell

13th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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NUTSHELL Defined for English Language Learners

nutshell

noun

Definition of nutshell for English Language Learners

: the hard outer shell of a nut

NUTSHELL Defined for Kids

nutshell

noun nut·shell \ ˈnət-ˌshel \

Definition of nutshell for Students

: the shell of a nut

— in a nutshell

: very briefly

And that, in a nutshell, is my explanation.

Learn More about nutshell

See words that rhyme with nutshell Spanish Central: Translation of nutshell Nglish: Translation of nutshell for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of nutshell for Arabic speakers

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nutshell

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nutshell

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nutshell

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