shellier; shelliest
1
: abounding in or covered with shells
a shelly shore
2
: of, relating to, or resembling a shell

Examples of shelly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Paleontologists have found indentations of the reptiles’ impressive teeth on the shells of squid relatives called ammonites, demonstrating how the lizards grabbed and crushed their shelly meals. Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Nov. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'shelly.' 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

1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shelly was in 1555

Dictionary Entries Near shelly

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

shelly

adjective
shellier; shelliest
1
: full of or covered with shells and especially seashells
a shelly beach
2
: consisting of a shell or shells
a crab's shelly home
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