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 team selected specific animal spirits – deer, buffalo, leeches, fleas, ants, and softshell turtles – which Setyanto translated into movement. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 23 Jan. 2026

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

Adjective

In September, Dolly Parton opened up about being a superfan of the restaurant and dished on her appreciation for its soft-shell taco during an interview with Business Insider. —Erin Clements, PEOPLE, 19 Dec. 2025

The soft-shell crabs and the sunsets alone make Tangier well worth a visit. —Npr Staff, NPR, 18 Dec. 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