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nutshell

noun nut·shell \ ˈnət-ˌshel \
|Updated on: 15 Jul 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

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Recent Examples of nutshell from the Web

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

  1. 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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