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Synonyms

soft-shell

American  
[sawft-shel, soft-] / ˈsɔftˌʃɛl, ˈsɒft- /

adjective

  1. Also soft-shelled having a soft, flexible, or fragile shell, as a crab that has recently molted.


noun

  1. a soft-shell animal, especially a soft-shell crab.

Etymology

Origin of soft-shell

First recorded in 1795–1805

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.

Her husband’s Taco Bell order used to include three soft-shell tacos, a large soda, a Mexican pizza and a Doritos Locos taco.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

A couple models are sufficiently protective that the wearers don’t have to practice with Guardian Caps, the soft-shell covers that fit over standard helmets to provide additional cushion and protection.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 18, 2024

Other states along the Atlantic coast have also experienced declines in both quahogs as well as also oysters, bay scallops and soft-shell clams, according to McManus.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 24, 2023

In the 1970s, soft-shell clams started mysteriously dying off in Maine and the Chesapeake Bay.

From New York Times • Oct. 2, 2023

“It’s soft-shell crab,” Grandma said, inching forward as the line did.

From "As Brave As You" by Jason Reynolds

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