Illustration of softshell
softshell
1 of 2noun
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
soft-shell
2 of 2adjective
ˈsȯf(t)-ˌshel
variants or soft-shelled
ˈsȯf(t)-ˈsheld
: having a soft or fragile shell especially as a result of recent shedding
soft-shell crabs
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web
David Clucas, Outside Online, 19 Oct. 2012 Similarly, hardshell pants are generally less breathable than their softshell cousins. Chris Meehan, Popular Mechanics, 17 Aug. 2022 The promise: Stay protected and mobile in these softshell pants. Outside Online, 9 Mar. 2022 Altogether, Thomas rescued 10 large softshell turtles in two separate attempts. Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 24 May 2022 Taco John's is offering five softshell or crispy beef tacos for $5.55 for customers with the app that are enrolled in the chain's loyalty program Thursday. Kelly Tyko, USA TODAY, 5 May 2022 In Yellowstone, patriarch John Dutton (Kevin Costner) favors a softshell vest over a denim shirt. Josh St. Clair, Men's Health, 16 Apr. 2022 The water- and wind-resistant, wicking softshell fabric protects her legs while providing her with the necessary stretch and articulated fit to power through crux moves on the mountain. Outside Online, 15 June 2015 After the crustaceans arrived on the east coast of the United States, they were credited with destroying Maine’s softshell clam industry within the past decade, per the Bellingham Herald. Corryn Wetzel, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Jan. 2022 See More
Noun
The brand, best known for its climbing and winter hardgoods, will debut 24 apparel styles to consumers in fall 2013, including men’s softshell, synthetic insulation and fleece outerwear, tops and bottoms. David Clucas, Outside Online, 19 Oct. 2012 Similarly, hardshell pants are generally less breathable than their softshell cousins. Chris Meehan, Popular Mechanics, 17 Aug. 2022 The promise: Stay protected and mobile in these softshell pants. Outside Online, 9 Mar. 2022 Altogether, Thomas rescued 10 large softshell turtles in two separate attempts. Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 24 May 2022 Taco John's is offering five softshell or crispy beef tacos for $5.55 for customers with the app that are enrolled in the chain's loyalty program Thursday. Kelly Tyko, USA TODAY, 5 May 2022 In Yellowstone, patriarch John Dutton (Kevin Costner) favors a softshell vest over a denim shirt. Josh St. Clair, Men's Health, 16 Apr. 2022 The water- and wind-resistant, wicking softshell fabric protects her legs while providing her with the necessary stretch and articulated fit to power through crux moves on the mountain. Outside Online, 15 June 2015 After the crustaceans arrived on the east coast of the United States, they were credited with destroying Maine’s softshell clam industry within the past decade, per the Bellingham Herald. Corryn Wetzel, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Jan. 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
Noun
1830, in the meaning defined above
Adjective
1611, in the meaning defined above