carapace

noun

car·​a·​pace ˈker-ə-ˌpās How to pronounce carapace (audio)
ˈka-rə-
Synonyms of carapacenext
1
: a bony or chitinous case or shield covering the back or part of the back of an animal (such as a turtle or crab)
2
: a protective, decorative, or disguising shell
The carapace of reserve he built around himself …—M. M. Mintz

Examples of carapace in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The carapace must be longer than 3 inches, and the lobsters must be measured while in the water. — Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 25 July 2026 The carapace, the lobster part that is not the tail, must be greater than three inches long. — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026 Johnson’s carapace is detailed with skin-like textures, swollen bicep veins and living tattoos that offer him encouragement and advice. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026 Boston Dynamics’s Atlas has a toylike carapace and a glowing, hollow circle for a head. — Stephen Witt, New Yorker, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for carapace

Word History

Etymology

French, from Spanish carapacho

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of carapace was in 1836

Rhymes for carapace

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Browse Nearby Words

carapa
carapace
carapacial
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Cite this Entry

“Carapace.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carapace. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

carapace

noun
car·​a·​pace ˈkar-ə-ˌpās How to pronounce carapace (audio)
: a bony or horny case or shield covering all or part of the back of an animal (as a turtle)

More from Merriam-Webster on carapace

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for carapace

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about carapace

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