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shell 1 of 2

noun

ˈshel How to pronounce shell (audio)
Definition of shellnext
1
as in sheath
something that encloses another thing especially to protect it eating oysters straight out of their shells

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2
as in structure
the arrangement of parts that gives something its basic form workers at the shipyard have thus far erected the shell of the ship

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3
as in exterior
an outer part or layer the shell of the building is all glass, making it conspicuous on a street with mostly limestone facades

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

shell

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to peel
to remove the natural covering of shelling peanuts

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2
as in to bomb
to use bombs or artillery against the enemy shelled the city for days without letup

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of shell
Noun
Natural wind instruments such as conch shells are capable of creating powerful sounds. — Kara Rogers, Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 Sep. 2026 As a result, each shell collapses sequentially, gradually absorbing and dissipating the kinetic energy. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2026
Verb
Thin-shelled yet not overly delicate, stuffed with amarena cherry-scented light ricotta bookended by bitter dark chocolate chips. — The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026 Pitchers getting shelled aren’t allowed to be swapped out during an inning. — Ahmed Jawadi, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shell
  1. sheath
  2. structure
  3. exterior
  4. bark
  5. bomb
  6. casing
  7. framework
  8. surface
Noun
  • Alcaraz is coming back from tenosynovitis, an injury in which fluid accumulates in the sheath that protects a key tendon in the wrist.
    — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The tang had a tendency to work loose, and the sheath would often be less than secure, letting the knife fall out during a parachute drop.
    — David Szondy August 30, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of sheath
Noun
  • That pair, combined with the wider structure and personnel around them, ensure Leeds do not collapse when home sides like Brighton, predictably, lay it on thick.
    — Beren Cross, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Officials asked the public to continue avoiding the parking structure while police investigated.
    — Michael McGough, Sacbee.com, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of structure
Noun
  • Its rugged silicone exterior is IP67-rated to resist water, dust, and drops, while the flexible utility strap easily clips onto backpacks, handlebars, or coolers.
    — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Even when behind the tinted exterior is just Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson.
    — Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of exterior
Verb
  • Giamatti makes Jerry ferocious but not monstruous, a man who certainly likes barking orders at various underlings but loves making good theater even more.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The upstairs neighbors had two mastiffs who were left home all day and who barked incessantly and scratched at the floor of their kennel.
    — Meghan O’Gieblyn, The New York Review of Books, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of bark
Verb
  • In 2025, American and Israeli forces had bombed Iran’s nuclear-enrichment facilities, which Western leaders said were engaged in a decades-long drive to develop a nuclear weapon.
    — Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Colonizers call it voluntary emigration, but there is nothing voluntary about fleeing after your home has been bombed, your fields poisoned, your water cut off and your child buried.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of bomb
Noun
  • At the scene, police recovered six 9mm bullets and nine shell casings.
    — Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Plus, the light, ergonomic ear casings secure up to 50 hours of total charge capsule stamina with rapid quick-charge support.
    — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of casing
Noun
  • To build the president’s White House ballroom, roughly 250 workers have been pouring concrete and installing steel framework, keeping the site humming for 20 hours a day, seven days a week.
    — Janay Kingsberry, The Atlantic, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Osteopathic medical education intentionally integrates biomedical, clinical, health systems and biomechanical sciences, and concepts aligned with complexity science into a coherent framework for physician formation.
    — Torie Bosch, STAT, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of framework
Noun
  • So do the engine, the drivetrain, the burning tires and the sweltering track surface.
    — Patrick Iversen, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Its 30% Saccharomyces yeast ferment contains 3% N-acetylglucosamine, an amino sugar that gently encourages surface exfoliation without relying on AHAs or BHAs, helping skin look smoother and more even with less potential for irritation.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of surface

Phrases Containing shell

Browse Nearby Words

shekels
shell
shellac
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Cite this Entry

“Shell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shell. Accessed 16 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on shell

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about shell

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