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
Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2025
Eclectic dishes, such as soft-shell crab bao buns and creative homemade cocktails, fill the menu.
—Curaçao Tourist Board, AFAR Media, 26 Feb. 2025
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
Taco flavors will include coral soft-shell crab, birria, duck carnitas and bone marrow Wagyu, and fresh tortillas will be served to customers’ tables on a clothesline (yes, with clothespins).
—Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2025
Eclectic dishes, such as soft-shell crab bao buns and creative homemade cocktails, fill the menu.
—Curaçao Tourist Board, AFAR Media, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for softshell
Cite this Entry
“Softshell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/softshell. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
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