nutshell

noun

nut·​shell ˈnət-ˌshel How to pronounce nutshell (audio)
Synonyms of nutshellnext
1
: the hard external covering in which the kernel of a nut is enclosed
2
: something of small size, amount, or scope
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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.
In a nutshell, something small and very far away will look like a dimensionless dot. Phil Plait, Scientific American, 20 Feb. 2026 That is the entertainment business in a nutshell. Sarah Hartshorne, Vogue, 16 Feb. 2026 The day that fate was sealed was their campaign in a nutshell. Jay Harris, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2026 That, in a nutshell, is the explanation of how a state trooper working for District Attorney Marian Ryan could have been involved in a fatal traffic accident in Woburn that may have involved alcohol. Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 6 Feb. 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Nutshell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nutshell. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

nutshell

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

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