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 building blocks of any electoral consensus are weak at best. Chris Jackson, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2024 And that is the Grand Ole Opry in a nutshell, those songs are so baked into the DNA. Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 1 Nov. 2024 But in a sense, this is the problem Sebo and his coauthors are raising in a nutshell. Saul Elbein, The Hill, 31 Oct. 2024 In a nutshell, the problem is that there are too many shows being made and there aren’t enough experienced animators to go around. Charles Pulliam-Moore, The Verge, 30 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near nutshell

Cite this Entry

“Nutshell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nutshell. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

nutshell

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