clamshell

noun

clam·​shell ˈklam-ˌshel How to pronounce clamshell (audio)
1
: the shell of a clam
2
a
: a bucket or grapple (as on a dredge) having two hinged jaws
b
: an excavating machine having a clamshell
c
: either of a pair of doors (as in an airplane tail) that open out and away from each other
d
: a hinged container, case, or cover that opens like the shell of a clam

Examples of clamshell in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Not to mention, there have been a few other reports that Apple is designing a clamshell foldable and a foldable iPad. Kyle Barr / Gizmodo, Quartz, 21 May 2024 Grow a variety of edible flowers in your garden (be sure to skip the toxic sprays, pesticides, and fertilizers!) or order them from dealers who ship them straight to your door in clamshell packages. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 May 2024 What about that Alexander McQueen dress of clanking razor clamshells? Jason Farago, New York Times, 9 May 2024 Some stores may have repackaged bulk walnut halves and pieces into plastic clamshells or bags, officials said. James Powel, USA TODAY, 3 May 2024 Hot-formed from a single sheet of aluminum, the front-hinged clamshell looks big enough to float several island castaways. Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 2 May 2024 What began with cellophane in the 1930s picked up speed with the rise of plastic clamshells in the 1980s and bagged salads in the 1990s. Kim Severson, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2024 The Away suitcase is made up of two large clamshell sections, with a zippered compression net on one side and a mesh pocket divider on the other. Cai Cramer, Peoplemag, 19 Sep. 2023 Spend time stretching throughout the day and add hip-strengthening exercises like side-lying abductions and clamshells to your workout and warmup routines. Lauren Del Turco, Health, 6 Feb. 2024

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

circa 1520, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of clamshell was circa 1520

Dictionary Entries Near clamshell

Cite this Entry

“Clamshell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clamshell. Accessed 28 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

clamshell

noun
clam·​shell ˈklam-ˌshel How to pronounce clamshell (audio)
: the shell of a clam

More from Merriam-Webster on clamshell

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