cockleshell

noun

cock·​le·​shell ˈkä-kəl-ˌshel How to pronounce cockleshell (audio)
1
a
: the shell or one of the shell valves of a cockle
b
: a shell (such as a scallop shell) suggesting a cockleshell
2
: a light flimsy boat

Illustration of cockleshell

Illustration of cockleshell
  • cockleshell 1a

Examples of cockleshell in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This popular Spanish-inspired dish was served in cockleshells so reminiscent the Galicia region of Spain’s cathedral city of Santiago de Compostela. Jane Napier Neely, La Cañada Valley Sun, 24 Apr. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cockleshell.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of cockleshell was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near cockleshell

Cite this Entry

“Cockleshell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cockleshell. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

cockleshell

noun
cock·​le·​shell ˈkäk-əl-ˌshel How to pronounce cockleshell (audio)
1
a
: a shell or shell valve of a cockle
b
: a shell (as a scallop) that looks like a cockleshell
2
: a light flimsy boat

More from Merriam-Webster on cockleshell

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