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 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 The carry-on and checked bag duo have similar features that include adjustable handles, aluminum latch closures, and an 80/20 clamshell design that has one larger side for storing bulkier items. Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 30 Jan. 2024 Sure, moving the foldable from Point A to Point B is easier than doing so with a 17-inch clamshell. Scharon Harding, Ars Technica, 14 Dec. 2023

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 16 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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