1
: having a shell especially of a specified kind
often used in combination
pink-shelledthick-shelled
2
a
: having the shell removed
shelled nuts
b
: removed from the cob
shelled corn

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Fractured shells from ammonites (ancient shelled cephalopods, similar to today’s Nautilus) were the most common remains present. Jeanne Timmons, Ars Technica, 14 Mar. 2023 Most of Ukraine’s ravaged cultural sites are like the shelled Reims Cathedral: perhaps not directly targeted, but destroyed with ruthless unconcern. Jason Farago, New York Times, 27 Dec. 2022 One of our favorite hard-shelled suitcases, The Diplomat is the brand's largest four-wheel trunk. Madison Flager, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 June 2022 Chinese soft-shelled turtles aren't the only animals that know the taste of urea. Elizabeth Preston, Discover Magazine, 11 Oct. 2012 These animals were generally highly-specialized, with most of them sporting cobble-like teeth that were adapted to eat hard-shelled prey. Gemma Tarlach, Discover Magazine, 18 Oct. 2018 The recall includes both shucked and shelled oysters. Kerry Breen, CBS News, 15 Dec. 2022 These sweet-salty, crunchy-shelled, marble-size balls might convert even avowed licorice haters—but if not, more for you. Mackenzie Chung Fegan, Bon Appétit, 11 Nov. 2022 Symbolized by the hard-shelled crab, but soft on the inside, this water sign is incredibly nuanced. Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 20 Oct. 2022 See More

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

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shelled was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near shelled

Cite this Entry

“Shelled.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shelled. Accessed 29 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

shelled

adjective
1
: having a shell especially of a specified kind
pink-shelled
hard-shelled
2
a
: having the shell removed
shelled nuts
shelled oysters
b
: removed from the cob
shelled corn
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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