Is a shell a common noun or a proper noun?

Answer 1

The noun 'shell' is a common noun, a general word for the hard outer part that protects the body of an ocean creature or amphibian; the hard outer covering of a nut or an egg; an object filled with an explosive to be shot from cannon.

A proper noun is the name of a specific person, place, or thing; for example:

• Dr. Grantham M. Shell, Orthopedic Surgeon, Mobile, AL
• Shell Beach, Pismo Beach, CA
• Shell Oil Company

The word 'shell' is also a verb: shell, shells, shelling, shelled.

Answer 2

Oh honey, a shell is a common noun. It's as common as dirt. You see shells everywhere, on the beach, in your grandma's collection, even in your pocket if you've been to the beach recently. So yeah, it's as common as it gets.