ENGLISH
REFERENCE

shells

n.
US //ˈʃɛɫz// UK //ʃˈɛlz// shells
  1. 1 sea/animal coverings (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    the hard outer parts that protect sea animals, eggs, or nuts.

    the hard, protective outer cases of marine molluscs, eggs, nuts, or certain seeds.

    Example

    The children spent the afternoon collecting beautiful shells on the beach.

    Example

    The shoreline was littered with broken shells and smooth pebbles after the winter storm had receded.
  2. 2 pasta shape (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Cooking

    a type of pasta shaped like small sea shells.

    a variety of pasta, formally known as conchiglie, shaped to resemble the shells of marine molluscs.

    Example

    We had pasta shells with a creamy cheese sauce for dinner.

    Example

    The chef recommended using medium-sized shells for the recipe, as their hollow shape is ideal for capturing thick vegetable sauces.
    • conchiglie
  3. 3 explosive projectiles (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    metal cases filled with explosives that are fired from large guns.

    artillery projectiles containing an explosive charge designed to burst upon impact or at a timed interval.

    Example

    The old fort still had several heavy iron shells in its storage room.

    Example

    The museum display featured various decommissioned shells, illustrating the evolution of ballistic technology during the nineteenth century.

Last updated June 20, 2026