softshell

1 of 2

noun

soft·​shell ˈsȯf(t)-ˌshel 

: any of a family (Trionychidae) of freshwater carnivorous turtles that have sharp claws and mandibles and a flat round shell covered with soft leathery skin instead of with horny plates

called also soft-shelled turtle

Illustration of softshell

soft-shell

2 of 2

adjective

ˈsȯf(t)-ˌshel 

variants or soft-shelled

ˈsȯf(t)-ˈsheld 

: having a soft or fragile shell especially as a result of recent shedding

soft-shell crabs

Examples of softshell in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The TourTech Bib blends a breathable softshell from mid-thigh up, with waterproof hardshell fabric on the lower legs for enhanced weatherproofing and durability. —Jenny Wiegand, Outside, 19 Nov. 2025

The Flex1 materials are a blend of softshell materials that are stretchy, durable, and breathable. —Nathan Allen, Travel + Leisure, 14 Nov. 2025

Adjective

In 2020, two research teams revealed evidence that some of the earliest dinosaur eggs – specifically those associated with Protoceratops in Mongolia and Mussaurus in Argentina – were soft-shelled rather than hard and calcified. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 27 Nov. 2025

In soft-shell crab BLTs and tomato pies served in cast-iron skillets. —Jenn Rice, Travel + Leisure, 3 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1830, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1611, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for softshell

• barbell
• bedwell
• befell
• bluebell
• bombshell
• bridewell
• capelle
• cartel
• carvel
• clamshell
• cogswell
• compel

Kids Definition

soft-shell

adjective

ˈsȯf(t)-ˌshel

variants or soft-shelled

-ˈsheld

: having a soft or fragile shell especially as a result of recent shedding

soft-shell crabs