shellfish

noun

shell·​fish ˈshel-ˌfish How to pronounce shellfish (audio)
: an aquatic invertebrate animal with a shell
especially : an edible mollusk or crustacean

Examples of shellfish in a Sentence

lobsters, crabs, and other shellfish
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
State officials announced that shellfish caught along certain outer sections of the Boston Harbor can now be eaten. Logan Hall, CBS News, 3 Jan. 2026 Including a variety of fish and shellfish can help fill common nutrient gaps, especially omega-3s and B12. Jillian Kubala, Health, 31 Dec. 2025 Raw shellfish such as clams, mussels and scallops can contain pathogens picked up from contaminated water. Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 31 Dec. 2025 Talk about being just plain shellfish. Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 31 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shellfish

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shellfish was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Shellfish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shellfish. Accessed 6 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

shellfish

noun
shell·​fish ˈshel-ˌfish How to pronounce shellfish (audio)
: an invertebrate animal that lives in water and has a shell
especially : an edible mollusk (as an oyster) or crustacean (as a crab)

More from Merriam-Webster on shellfish

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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