What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
projectile
Example
The projectile was fired from the cannon and flew through the air. [projectile: noun]
Example
The baseball was hit with such force that it became a projectile. [projectile: adjective]
shell
Example
The soldiers loaded the shells into the cannon before firing. [shell: noun]
Example
She cracked open the shell of the walnut to reveal the nut inside. [shell: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shell is more commonly used than projectile in everyday language, especially in military or industrial contexts. Projectile is more commonly used in sports or recreational activities.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between projectile and shell?
Both projectile and shell are formal words that are typically used in technical or specialized contexts, such as military or engineering fields.
