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
Jenny Wiegand, Outside, 19 Nov. 2025
The Flex1 materials are a blend of softshell materials that are stretchy, durable, and breathable.
—Nathan Allen, Travel + Leisure, 14 Nov. 2025
Erin Clements, PEOPLE, 19 Dec. 2025
The soft-shell crabs and the sunsets alone make Tangier well worth a visit.
—Npr Staff, NPR, 18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for softshell
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Noun
The TourTech Bib blends a breathable softshell from mid-thigh up, with waterproof hardshell fabric on the lower legs for enhanced weatherproofing and durability.
—Jenny Wiegand, Outside, 19 Nov. 2025
The Flex1 materials are a blend of softshell materials that are stretchy, durable, and breathable.
—Nathan Allen, Travel + Leisure, 14 Nov. 2025
Adjective
In September, Dolly Parton opened up about being a superfan of the restaurant and dished on her appreciation for its soft-shell taco during an interview with Business Insider.
—Erin Clements, PEOPLE, 19 Dec. 2025
The soft-shell crabs and the sunsets alone make Tangier well worth a visit.
—Npr Staff, NPR, 18 Dec. 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 31 Dec. 2025.
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