Definition

The act of bombarding an area with artillery fire, or the process of removing the outer covering from something, like a nut or grain.

Example

The shelling of the city caused widespread destruction and panic among the residents.

Conversation

Did you hear about the shelling that happened near the coast last night?

Yeah, it was all over the news!

I can't believe how intense that shelling was, it sounded so close.

I know, it’s really scary to think about what people are going through.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

The action of removing the outer covering or hard shell from something, such as nuts or eggs, or the act of firing artillery shells in a military context.

Example

The soldiers were shelling the enemy's position from a distance.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you see the kids shelling the peas in the garden?

Yeah, they looked like they were having so much fun!

I remember doing that when I was their age.

Root Explanation

Shelling → It is formed from "shell" (from Old English *scealu*, meaning a hard outer covering) and the suffix "-ing" (indicating the action or process of). The word "shelling" refers to the action of removing the outer covering or shell from something, such as nuts or peas.

Memory Tip

Think of the hard outer covering ('shell') being removed in the action ('-ing') of shelling.

Visually Confused Words