star shell

noun

1
: a shell that on bursting releases a shower of brilliant stars and is used for signaling
2
: a shell with an illuminating projectile

Examples of star shell in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The only light was provided by bursting star shells. Mary Horlock, Longreads, 21 June 2018

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1876, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of star shell was circa 1876

Dictionary Entries Near star shell

Cite this Entry

“Star shell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/star%20shell. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!