soft clam

noun

1. soft-shell clam.

soft clam

noun

1. another name for the soft-shell clam

Word History and Origins

Origin of soft clam¹

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55

Example Sentences

There are the round bellies of soft-shell clams — the restaurant has always called these “soft clam bellies,” but almost everybody else in the Northeast knows them as steamers — in an intoxicatingly fragrant stew enriched by miso.

From New York Times

Both the Little Neck and the paper shell clams are very good served as a Curry; only the body part of the soft clam should be used, as the remainder is somewhat tough.

From Project Gutenberg

A great extension of this fishery is hoped for, and it is now proposed to introduce upon the same coast the American soft clam, which is so abundant in the tide-washed beach sands of Long Island Sound as to form an important article in the diet of the neighboring population.

From Project Gutenberg

For an appetizer, the soft clam pan roast is hard to beat; it is best followed by tasty mignons of tenderloin flared in bourbon or stuffed broiled lobster and wilted dandelion greens with bacon.

From Time Magazine Archive

A little fountain of water announces the abode of the soft clam.

From Project Gutenberg