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Shelling

UK //ˈʃɛlɪŋ//US //ˈʃɛlɪŋ//

Definition

The act of removing shells from food or firing artillery shells in warfare.

In simple words: The act of removing shells from food or the use of artillery.

Examples

  • She spent the afternoon shelling peas for dinner.
  • The children enjoyed shelling the peanuts on the porch.
  • The soldiers faced heavy shelling during the battle.
  • For lunch, I bought some shelling beans from the market.
  • Artillery shelling caused significant damage to the area.

Usage notes

Use 'shelling' to refer to food preparation or military actions. Avoid informal contexts for military usage.

Grammar pattern

shelling + object

Memory hint

Think of 'shell' like a turtle's shell - taking it off is shelling.

Collocations

  • shelling peas
  • heavy shelling
  • ongoing shelling

Synonyms

  • extracting
  • bombarding
  • de-shelling

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'shooting' - shelling is more specific to artillery.
  • Incorrectly used as a noun for food without context.
  • Using 'shelled' instead of 'shelling' when meaning ongoing action.