star shell

noun

1. a shell that bursts in the air and produces a bright light to illuminate enemy positions.

star shell

noun

1. an artillery shell containing a flare or other illuminant: often containing a parachute to prolong the descent of the illuminating material

Word History and Origins

Origin of star shell¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

One of your duties, boys, will be to keep your flashlamps going after the star shell has dimmed.

From Project Gutenberg

Minutes pass, and below us gleams the fading loveliness of a star-shell.

From Project Gutenberg

I made myself known, but the two men moved off and fired a star-shell in my direction.

From Project Gutenberg

A star shell burst overhead, and a German sniper, seizing the chance of a lifetime, put in four rounds rapid fire.

From Project Gutenberg

The star shell had died out but he could see the blimp silhouetted against the sky.

From Project Gutenberg