Search Dictionary
Definition of shelly

shelly

/ˈʃɛl.i/
shel · ly
JUMP TO:

shelly Lexical Profile

shelly Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Abounding in, covered with, or consisting largely of shells or fragments of shells.

Example

"The tide receded to reveal a narrow, shelly cove frequented by foraging shorebirds."

2

Resembling a shell in thinness, hardness, or brittleness.

Example

"A delicate, shelly crust of caramelized sugar topped the baked custard."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for shelly
Antonyms
View all antonyms for shelly

• Rhymes for shelly

• Nearby Words

shellshock
shellshocked
shellsuit
shelly
shelter
sheltered
shelterless

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in English from the noun 'shell' (from Old English 'sciell', meaning shell or scale) combined with the adjectival suffix '-y'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Shelly. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/shelly
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.