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 In a nutshell, there’s a perfect equilateral triangle formed by the centers of the time dial, the sub-seconds dial and the big date aperture. Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 18 Oct. 2024 Their answer, in a nutshell, lies in government institutions. Steve Forbes, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024 In a nutshell, costochondritis is when the cartilage that connects your rib bones to your breastbone becomes inflamed, Timothy Mott, MD, a family medicine physician at the South Baldwin Regional Medical Center in Alabama, tells SELF. Katie Camero, SELF, 17 Oct. 2024 Yes, that was Mother in a nutshell, or a caul: an overemotional territory with no boundaries whatsoever. Will Self, Harper's Magazine, 23 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for nutshell 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nutshell.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 2 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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