# shell

/ˈʃɛɫ/ (US) · /ʃˈɛl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/shell
Updated: 2026-07-09

## Senses

### 1. animal/egg/nut covering

noun · CEFR A2

the hard outer part that protects some animals, eggs, or nuts.

For teachers: the hard, protective external covering of a mollusc, crustacean, bird's egg, or nut.

- The children collected beautiful white shells on the beach.
- The turtle retreated into its shell as soon as it sensed the vibration of approaching footsteps.

### 2. explosive weapon

noun · CEFR B2

a metal container filled with explosives that is fired from a large gun.

For teachers: a hollow projectile containing an explosive charge, typically fired by artillery or mortars.

- The soldiers loaded the heavy shells into the cannon.
- The coastal battery was equipped to fire high-explosive shells capable of reaching targets several miles out at sea.

### 3. empty structure

noun · CEFR B2

the basic outer frame of a building or object without the inside parts.

For teachers: the external framework or walls of a structure, especially one that is unfinished or has been gutted.

- After the fire, only the brick shell of the house remained.
- The developers purchased the industrial shell and planned to convert the interior into modern luxury lofts.

### 4. computing interface

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a program that lets a user talk to a computer by typing commands.

For teachers: a software interface that provides access to an operating system's services, often via a command-line interpreter.

- You can type the command directly into the shell to move the file.
- Experienced administrators often prefer working in a Unix shell because it allows for complex automation through scripting.

### 5. to remove a covering

verb · CEFR B1

to take the hard outer part off something, like peas or nuts.

For teachers: to remove the pod, husk, or shell from a seed or fruit.

- We sat on the porch and shelled peas for dinner.
- The recipe requires you to shell the pistachios before grinding them into a fine paste for the cake.

### 6. to attack with explosives

verb · CEFR B2

to fire large guns or explosives at a place.

For teachers: to bombard a location with artillery shells.

- The navy began to shell the enemy's fort from the sea.
- The city was shelled for three consecutive days, forcing the civilian population to seek refuge in underground bunkers.

### 7. to pay money

phrasal verb · CEFR B2 · Informal

to pay for something, especially when it is expensive or you do not want to.

For teachers: to disburse a significant amount of money, typically with a sense of reluctance or obligation.

- I had to shell out a lot of money to fix my car.
- Homeowners often have to shell out thousands of dollars for unexpected repairs when purchasing an older property.

Usage: Always used as 'shell out'.

## Examples

- The snail pulled its body back into its shell.
- After the fire, only the brick shell of the old factory remained standing in the center of town.
- Marine biologists study how increasing ocean acidity affects the ability of mollusks to synthesize the calcium carbonate required for their protective shells.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.