Illustration of softshell
soft·shell
ˈsȯf(t)-ˌshel 
: any of a family (Trionychidae) of freshwater carnivorous turtles that have sharp claws and mandibles and a flat round shell covered with soft leathery skin instead of with horny plates
called also soft-shelled turtle
variants
or soft-shelled
: having a soft or fragile shell especially as a result of recent shedding
soft-shell crabs
Examples of softshell in a Sentence
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Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Mar. 2026
The team selected specific animal spirits – deer, buffalo, leeches, fleas, ants, and softshell turtles – which Setyanto translated into movement.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 23 Jan. 2026
Jane Godiner, Baltimore Sun, 29 Apr. 2026
Mating occurs within 30 minutes of molting, when the female is still soft-shelled.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Apr. 2026
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Noun
From relaxed-fit cargo pants with zippered thigh pockets to ultralight, quick-drying softshell pants with a DWR (durable water-repellent) coating, our lineup of the best hiking pants balances true functionality and style.
—Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Mar. 2026
The team selected specific animal spirits – deer, buffalo, leeches, fleas, ants, and softshell turtles – which Setyanto translated into movement.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
Choices from its prix fixe menu include savory olive bread pudding with mushrooms and leeks, Maryland soft-shell crabs wrapped in phyllo dough and bourbon-cacao cake.
—Jane Godiner, Baltimore Sun, 29 Apr. 2026
Mating occurs within 30 minutes of molting, when the female is still soft-shelled.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for softshell
Cite this Entry
“Softshell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/softshell. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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