Illustration of softshell
soft·shell
ˈsȯf(t)-ˌshel 
: any of a family (Trionychidae) of freshwater carnivorous turtles that have sharp claws and mandibles and a flat round shell covered with soft leathery skin instead of with horny plates
called also soft-shelled turtle
variants
or soft-shelled
: having a soft or fragile shell especially as a result of recent shedding
soft-shell crabs
Examples of softshell in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 22 Mar. 2025
The tent design is more like a softshell RTT than a hardshell, a full fabric dome with 51-in (130-cm) peak atop the bi-panel floor.
—New Atlas, 1 Feb. 2025
Curaçao Tourist Board, AFAR Media, 26 Feb. 2025
The father is also now pushing for players to receive Guardian Caps, soft-shell covers used on helmets that can help prevent head injuries.
—Mark Puleo, The Athletic, 27 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for softshell
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Noun
The body of the coat is insulated for additional warmth, while the breezier softshell sleeves offer a good temperature balance to keep you comfortable regardless of the weather.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 22 Mar. 2025
The tent design is more like a softshell RTT than a hardshell, a full fabric dome with 51-in (130-cm) peak atop the bi-panel floor.
—New Atlas, 1 Feb. 2025
Adjective
Eclectic dishes, such as soft-shell crab bao buns and creative homemade cocktails, fill the menu.
—Curaçao Tourist Board, AFAR Media, 26 Feb. 2025
The father is also now pushing for players to receive Guardian Caps, soft-shell covers used on helmets that can help prevent head injuries.
—Mark Puleo, The Athletic, 27 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for softshell
Cite this Entry
“Softshell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/softshell. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.
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