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
Outside Online, 13 June 2024
Best Luggage: Including both hardshell and softshell suitcases Best Bags: Including weekenders, duffels and backpacks
Sign up to The Selection newsletter for hands-on product reviews, expert shopping tips and a look at the best deals and sales each week.
—Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 26 June 2024
Jonathan Shikes, The Denver Post, 8 Aug. 2024
There’s a soft-shell crab taco for $26 at the clubby Arts District roof bar Cha Cha Cha and a $24 caviar taco at Nobu Los Angeles, but also $2 paper-plate tacos just outside your favorite neighborhood gay bar, and everything in between.
—Daniel Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for softshell 
Noun
Cinder Crank Shorts: Made from a breathable softshell fabric, these shorts delivered all-day comfort with thigh venting zips for further ventilation and saddle reinforcements for durability.
—Outside Online, 13 June 2024
Best Luggage: Including both hardshell and softshell suitcases Best Bags: Including weekenders, duffels and backpacks
Sign up to The Selection newsletter for hands-on product reviews, expert shopping tips and a look at the best deals and sales each week.
—Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 26 June 2024
Adjective
The signature Dan Da tower comes with an assortment of options including pork, chicken, beef, shrimp and soft-shell crab.
—Jonathan Shikes, The Denver Post, 8 Aug. 2024
There’s a soft-shell crab taco for $26 at the clubby Arts District roof bar Cha Cha Cha and a $24 caviar taco at Nobu Los Angeles, but also $2 paper-plate tacos just outside your favorite neighborhood gay bar, and everything in between.
—Daniel Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for softshell
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'softshell.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Softshell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/softshell. Accessed 18 Aug. 2024.
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