plural shells
1
a
: the hard outer covering of an animal, insect, etc., that protects it
a turtle's shell
the shell of a crab
We collected shells at the beach.
jewelry made of shell
b
: the hard outer covering of an egg : eggshell
broken shells
a piece of shell
c
: the hard outer covering of a nut, fruit, or seed
a coconut shell
pieces of walnut shell
2
US
: something (such as pasta) that is shaped like a shell
We're going to have stuffed shells for dinner.
3
: the hard outer structure of a building, car, airplane, etc.
—usually singular
the shell of an unfinished house
the shell of an airplane
The building was just a bombed-out shell.
4
chiefly US
: a hard or crisp piece of bread, dough, etc., that is used to hold a filling
a pastry/pie shell
taco/tortilla shells
5
a
: a metal case that is filled with an explosive and that is shot from a cannon
mortar shells
b
chiefly US
: a metal tube that you put into a gun and that holds an explosive and a bullet : cartridge
The police found several spent shells at the scene of the shooting.
6
a
—used in phrases that describe becoming less shy and more willing to talk to other people
Making new friends helped her come out of her shell. = Making new friends brought her out of her shell.
b
—used in phrases that describe becoming quieter, less active, etc.
He lost confidence in himself and retreated/withdrew into his shell.
shells; shelled; shelling
1
: to remove the shell or outer covering of (something)
shell peanuts/peas
2
: to shoot shells at (someone or something) using large guns
They shelled the enemy troops.
The town was shelled during the battle.
3
US, informal
: to score heavily against (a pitcher) in baseball
—usually used as (be) shelled
He was shelled in the second inning.
Cite this Entry
“Shell.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/shell. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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