half shell
Americannoun
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.
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
Our food writers have recommended the roasted oysters in chipotle bourbon butter with toasted baguette, raw oysters on the half shell or trying to shuck yourself for a DIY experience.
From Seattle Times ● May 29, 2022
He serves the scallops on the half shell, and also fried in brown butter to stuff into steamed buns.
From New York Times ● Aug. 23, 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
Petra said, and guzzled from the half shell of fresh rainwater.
From "Beauty Queens" by Libba Bray
![]()
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.