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Definition of hardshell

hardshell

/ˈhɑːrdˌʃɛl/
hard · shell

Plural:hardshells
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hardshell Lexical Profile

hardshell Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Having a hard, rigid outer shell or protective casing, as a crustacean, mollusk, or piece of luggage.

Example

"She packed her fragile camera equipment inside a durable hardshell suitcase for the international flight."


2

American Uncompromising, strict, or rigidly orthodox in one's religious or political beliefs.

Example

"The committee was dominated by hardshell traditionalists who resisted any reform to the party platform."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

A stiff, waterproof and windproof outer jacket designed to protect the wearer from severe weather during outdoor activities.

Example

"As freezing rain began to fall on the ridge, the mountaineer pulled a breathable hardshell over his fleece layer."


2

North American An edible marine clam (Mercenaria mercenaria) native to the eastern coast of North America, having a thick, heavy shell; a quahog.

Example

"Local fishermen harvested buckets of hardshells from the tidal flats to sell to coastal seafood restaurants."


3

American An uncompromisingly strict or conservative person, especially a member of the Primitive Baptist church opposing missionary societies.

Example

"In nineteenth-century frontier debates, the hardshells argued fiercely against the establishment of formal theological seminaries."

Synonyms
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Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Hardshell. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/hardshell
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