Shell

/ʃɛl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A hollow or empty structure, often used to describe something that is no longer filled or functioning.

The factory stood as a shell of its former self, abandoned and silent.

The hard, protective outer case of a mollusk or other marine animal.

She found a beautiful shell on the beach, glistening in the sunlight.

A hard exterior or structure that protects or contains something.

The egg's shell is fragile, so handle it carefully.

A casing or container for a projectile, typically used in firearms or artillery.

The soldier loaded a shell into the cannon before firing.

verb

To remove the outer covering of something.

She will shell the peas before cooking them for dinner.

To bomb or bombard a target with explosive projectiles.

The troops were ordered to shell the enemy positions at dawn.

Old English 'scield', related to the term 'shield'.

shell shock

Psychological trauma caused by the experience of combat.

to shell out

To spend money, especially reluctantly.

nut shell

A small or concise amount of information.

exoskeleton

An external skeleton that supports and protects an animal's body.

capsule

A small container that holds something, often used in reference to medicine.

covering

An outer layer that conceals or protects something.

To abandon someone or something.

He totally shelled out on the project.

To strike or hit someone.

He shelled him when he got angry.