easy
The turtle has a hard shell.
What does Shell mean?
a hard outside covering.
Dictionary definition
A hard outer covering that protects some animals, nuts, seeds, or eggs.
Example sentences
Shell in a sentence
medium
We found a small shell on the beach.
hard
A shell protects the soft parts of some animals from the world around them.
Writing practice
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Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Shell
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does shell mean?
A shell is a hard outer covering that protects something.
Practice 2
Which word is closest in meaning to shell?
Covering is close in meaning to shell.
Practice 3
Which sentence uses shell correctly?
Some animals have or use shells as hard coverings.
Practice complete
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Shell
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SHEL
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SHEL
Learn
WordShell.
Partnoun.
MeaningShell means a hard outside covering.
ExampleExample: The turtle has a hard shell.
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Synonyms
Words like Shell
coveringUse for an outside layer that protects something.
caseUse for a hard protective outside part.
Antonyms
Opposite words
insideInside contrasts with shell because a shell is on the outside.
soft centerA useful contrast when comparing an outer shell with what is inside.
Synonym practice
Want to practice shell synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The shell was hidden in the sand," then compare close word choices. Practice shell synonyms.
Word family
Shell word family
Base word
shell
noun
shells
More than one shell.
adjective
shelled
Having a shell or with the shell removed, depending on context.
Related words
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Student support
Understand Shell
Hint for students
A shell is a hard outer covering that protects something, such as a turtle, egg, nut, or sea animal.
Common mix-up
Shell is not the same as skin. Skin is a living outer layer; a shell is usually hard and protective.
Try it in class or at home
Write one sentence that shows shell without using the word shell. Model sentence: The turtle hid inside its hard outer covering when it felt scared. Clue words: turtle, hard outer covering, hid, scared Now try your own sentence. Ask: Does my sentence show a hard covering that protects something?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "The turtle pulled its head back into its shell." Why does shell fit better than blanket?
Learning activities
Practice Shell and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice SHELL” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
Practice SHELL
Sentence Builder
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