Illustration of softshell
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
variants
or soft-shelled
: 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
Nathan Allen, Travel + Leisure, 14 Nov. 2025
Taco John's: Kids 12 and under wearing a costume on Halloween can get a free softshell beef taco with any $5 minimum purchase, valid in-store only.
—Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025
Jenn Rice, Travel + Leisure, 3 Nov. 2025
The Freewheel is a light (less than 16 ounces) and breathable soft-shell outer layer made from a mix of spandex and recycled nylon to give the jacket unbelievable stretch.
—Graham Averill, Outside, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for softshell
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.
Noun
The Flex1 materials are a blend of softshell materials that are stretchy, durable, and breathable.
—Nathan Allen, Travel + Leisure, 14 Nov. 2025
Taco John's: Kids 12 and under wearing a costume on Halloween can get a free softshell beef taco with any $5 minimum purchase, valid in-store only.
—Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
In soft-shell crab BLTs and tomato pies served in cast-iron skillets.
—Jenn Rice, Travel + Leisure, 3 Nov. 2025
The Freewheel is a light (less than 16 ounces) and breathable soft-shell outer layer made from a mix of spandex and recycled nylon to give the jacket unbelievable stretch.
—Graham Averill, Outside, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for softshell
Cite this Entry
“Softshell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/softshell. Accessed 22 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share