Meaning of the word shell in English

What does shell mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

shell

US /ʃel/

UK /ʃel/

the hard outer covering of an egg, nut, or seed

Example:

•

She cracked the nut shell to get to the kernel.

•

The bird's egg shell was very fragile.

Synonym:

husk pod case covering casing

the hard protective outer case of a mollusk or crustacean

Example:

•

We collected beautiful sea shells on the beach.

•

The hermit crab lives in a borrowed shell.

Synonym:

carapace exoskeleton test

an explosive projectile fired from a large gun or cannon

Example:

•

The artillery fired a barrage of shells.

•

The building was hit by an enemy shell.

Synonym:

projectile bomb missile round

remove the shell or pod from (a nut, pea, or other food)

Example:

•

She carefully shelled the peas for dinner.

•

It takes a long time to shell all these almonds.

Synonym:

peel hull shuck pod

bombard with shells

Example:

•

The enemy began to shell the city.

•

Our troops were ordered to shell the enemy positions.

Synonym:

bombard blast attack fire on

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