conch

noun

ˈkäŋk 

ˈkänch,

ˈkȯŋk 

plural conchs ˈkäŋks 

ˈkȯŋks

or conches ˈkän-chəz 

1

: any of various large spiral-shelled marine gastropod mollusks (as of the genus Strombus)

also : its shell used especially for cameos

2

often disparaging : a native or resident of the Florida Keys

3

: concha sense 2

Illustration of conch

• conch 1

Examples of conch in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some cheered the kids on with blasts from conch shells; another boater bugled tunes. —Debra Utacia Krol, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2025

In the meantime, the seafood-heavy menu at The Shelbourne with dishes like red prawn ceviche or roasted grouper is a great option for dinner, while poolside dining offers more casual but delicious fare like conch fritters or a jerk smash burger. —Elliott Harrell, Southern Living, 31 Aug. 2025

Broward residents who love the catfish and conch from Trick Daddy’s Sunday’s Eatery in Miami Gardens will now be able to enjoy the soul food in their backyard. —Miami Herald, 30 Aug. 2025

On top of these rhythms, there’s call and response storytelling, and the blows of a conch shell. —Mankaprr Conteh, Rolling Stone, 23 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin concha mussel, mussel shell, from Greek konchē; akin to Sanskrit śaṅkha conch shell

First Known Use

1707, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for conch

• haunch
• launch
• paunch
• staunch
• protoconch

Kids Definition

conch

noun

ˈkäŋk  ˈkänch 

plural conchs ˈkäŋks  or conches

ˈkän-chəz

: a large marine gastropod mollusk having a spiral shell

also : its shell

Medical Definition

conch

noun

ˈkäŋk  ˈkänch 

ˈkȯŋk

plural conchs ˈkäŋks, ˈkȯŋks  or conches ˈkän-chəz 

: concha sense 1