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
Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes, 4 Sep. 2024
Rockland Wheeled Duffel Bag This wheeled soft-shell duffel combines the ease of a weekender bag mixed with the convenience of a rolling suitcase.
—Melissa Epifano, Peoplemag, 11 Aug. 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 padded cap, a soft-shell layer worn on the outside of player helmets, are planned to feature team logos on them when worn during games.
—Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes, 4 Sep. 2024
Rockland Wheeled Duffel Bag This wheeled soft-shell duffel combines the ease of a weekender bag mixed with the convenience of a rolling suitcase.
—Melissa Epifano, Peoplemag, 11 Aug. 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.
Dictionary Entries Near softshell
Cite this Entry
“Softshell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/softshell. Accessed 11 Sep. 2024.
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