Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Showing results for half shell. Search instead for on-the-half-shell.

half shell

American  

noun

  1. either of the halves of a double-shelled creature, as of an oyster, clam, or other bivalve mollusk.


Etymology

Origin of half shell

An Americanism dating back to 1855–60

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Grand Central Market, once known for cheap produce and tacos, had started the gentrification that would bring in Eggslut, gourmet nut-butter sandwiches and oysters on the half shell.

From Los Angeles Times Apr. 25, 2023

Bankson’s parents were great cooks, and his sister, Claire Bankson McPherson, remembers spending every Christmas Eve eating different preparations of oysters on the half shell while growing up.

From Seattle Times Aug. 27, 2021

Muscadet, the crisp white wine from the region near the mouth of the Loire River, is a traditional match for oysters on the half shell.

From Washington Post Aug. 6, 2021

I was craving clams on the half shell.

From New York Times Jul. 30, 2020

Petra said, and guzzled from the half shell of fresh rainwater.

From "Beauty Queens" by Libba Bray

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Dictionary.com's Learning Companion

Go beyond just looking up words.
Remember them forever with VocabTrainer.

Start training