Shell Definition & Meaning
shell
- noun
- ammunition consisting of a cylindrical metal casing containing an explosive charge and a projectile; fired from a large gun
- the material that forms the hard outer covering of many animals
- hard outer covering or case of certain organisms such as arthropods and turtles
- the hard usually fibrous outer layer of some fruits especially nuts
- the exterior covering of a bird's egg
- a rigid covering that envelops an object; "the satellite is covered with a smooth shell of ice"
- a very light narrow racing boat
- the housing or outer covering of something; "the clock has a walnut case"
- a metal sheathing of uniform thickness (such as the shield attached to an artillery piece to protect the gunners)
- the hard largely calcareous covering of a mollusc or a brachiopod
- verb
- use explosives on; "The enemy has been shelling us all day"
- create by using explosives; "blast a passage through the mountain"
- fall out of the pod or husk; "The corn shelled"
- hit the pitches of hard and regularly; "He shelled the pitcher for eight runs in the first inning"
- look for and collect shells by the seashore
- come out better in a competition, race, or conflict; "Agassi beat Becker in the tennis championship"; "We beat the competition"; "Harvard defeated Yale in the last football game"
- remove from its shell or outer covering; "shell the legumes"; "shell mussels"
- remove the husks from; "husk corn"
"Shell" in song lyrics
See how shell is used in real songs:
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"See life is a gamble, find the ball under the shell"
3rd Bass — Come In -
"And once my soul leaves my bodily shell"
3rd Bass f/ Nice and Smooth — Microphone Techniques -
"7L holds cream like a tortoise's shell"
7L & Esoteric — Precision
Words that rhyme with shell
Usage tips for "shell"
Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "shell" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for shell to find words that pair well.