cockleshell

noun

cock·​le·​shell ˈkä-kəl-ˌshel 

1

a

: the shell or one of the shell valves of a cockle

b

: a shell (such as a scallop shell) suggesting a cockleshell

2

: a light flimsy boat

Illustration of cockleshell

• cockleshell 1a

Examples of cockleshell in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This popular Spanish-inspired dish was served in cockleshells so reminiscent the Galicia region of Spain’s cathedral city of Santiago de Compostela. —Jane Napier Neely, La Cañada Valley Sun, 24 Apr. 2017

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

cockleshell

noun

cock·​le·​shell ˈkäk-əl-ˌshel 

1

a

: a shell or shell valve of a cockle

b

: a shell (as a scallop) that looks like a cockleshell

2

: a light flimsy boat