shells
word · lemma: shell
Definition
'Shells' are the hard outer coverings of things like eggs, nuts, or sea creatures, especially found on the beach. The word can also mean the outer case or layer of other objects.
Usage & Nuances
Most often used in plural when talking about beach objects or cooking ("egg shells", "seashells"). 'Shells' can also refer to artillery in military contexts, though this is less common. Collocations: 'collect shells', 'crack the shells', 'nutshells'.
Example Sentences
Please throw the egg shells in the trash.
basic
I like to collect shells and keep them in a jar as souvenirs.
natural
The kids spent hours searching for unique shells along the shore.
natural
Crack the shells gently so you don't crush the nuts inside.
natural
We found many colorful shells on the beach.
basic
Peanuts have hard shells that protect the nuts inside.
basic