nutshell

noun

nut·​shell ˈnət-ˌshel How to pronounce nutshell (audio)
1
: the hard external covering in which the kernel of a nut is enclosed
2
: something of small size, amount, or scope
Phrases
in a nutshell
: in a very brief statement

Examples of nutshell in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In a nutshell, the creatives become the actors that Hand and Derrick Jr. explain things to, and the various departments bring them to life, piece by piece. Simon Thompson, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025 The viewing experience, in a nutshell, is like Leonardo DiCaprio pointing at his TV set, over and over, for 30 straight minutes. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 7 Mar. 2025 That, in a nutshell, had been life for the Heat forward since the Feb. 6 trade of Jimmy Butler had, in return, added three newcomers, math that had squeezed Highsmith out of the rotation. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 27 Feb. 2025 Jim Clash: In a nutshell, sum up the differences between guitarists Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page. Jim Clash, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for nutshell

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of nutshell was in the 13th century

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Cite this Entry

“Nutshell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nutshell. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

nutshell

noun
nut·​shell ˈnət-ˌshel How to pronounce nutshell (audio)
: the shell of a nut

More from Merriam-Webster on nutshell

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