clamshell

noun

clam·​shell ˈklam-ˌshel 

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

Traditional hard-shells usually have a clamshell design, opening down the middle with a 50/50 split of compartment space on each side, while soft-side bags tend to be top-loading, offering one large, open compartment. —Rachel Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Sep. 2024

The University of California recommends placing tomatoes in the crisper drawer in their original clamshell package, a paper bag or a plastic bag with a few slits. —Kristen Hartke, Washington Post, 2 July 2024

Keeping your feet together, lift your top knee—like the opening of a clamshell. —Laura Campedelli, Verywell Health, 13 Aug. 2024

There’s only one main compartment inside instead of a clamshell design, and the capacity is much smaller than Calpak’s hardside carry-ons — but the payoff is a supremely lightweight bag and compact size that would come in handy on flights with tighter overhead bins. —Jackie Cucco, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1520, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

clamshell

noun

clam·​shell ˈklam-ˌshel 

: the shell of a clam