mussel

noun

mus·​sel ˈmə-səl 

1

: a marine bivalve mollusk (especially genus Mytilus) usually having a dark elongated shell

2

: a freshwater bivalve mollusk (as of Unio, Anodonta, or related genera) that is especially abundant in rivers of the central U.S. and has a shell lined with mother-of-pearl

Examples of mussel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

His dish has a pineapple coconut stock holding scallops, mussels, prawns and crawfish, with basmati rice and an avocado créme. —Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2025

Such areas teem with marine life, including octopuses, bacteria, mussels, deep-sea crabs and tubeworms. —Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Jan. 2025

Shellfish Clams, mussels, and oysters are nutrient-dense shellfish rich in protein, vitamin B12, zinc, and copper. —Lindsey Desoto, Rd, Ld, Verywell Health, 3 Jan. 2025

Clams, oysters, mussels, scallops, shrimp, sardines, crab, trout, haddock, pollock, and anchovies. —Christina Pérez, Vogue, 23 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English muscle, from Old English muscelle, from Vulgar Latin *muscula, from Latin musculus muscle, mussel

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing mussel

• blue mussel
• quagga mussel
• zebra mussel

Kids Definition

mussel

noun

mus·​sel ˈməs-əl 

1

: any of various edible saltwater mollusks with a long dark hinged double shell

2

: any of numerous freshwater mollusks of rivers of the central U.S. whose hinged double shells are lined with mother-of-pearl