shellfish

noun

shell·​fish ˈshel-ˌfish 

: 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

Food not safe for consumption Inadequate record keeping of seafood/shellfish and fish. —Ashley Fredde, Idaho Statesman, 3 June 2025

The problem however is that Luis, 23, has a shellfish allergy. —Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025

Nearby, Two Docks Shellfish LLC was awarded more than $260,000 to support efforts to improve shellfish restoration and water quality in local bays. —Alice Herman, Miami Herald, 20 May 2025

There were no consumer advisories printed on the menus to remind customers that consuming raw or undercooked meats; poultry; seafood, shellfish or eggs may increase the risk of foodborne illness. —Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 16 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for shellfish

• bluefish
• catfish
• codfish
• crawfish
• dogfish
• finfish
• flatfish
• goldfish
• groundfish
• kingfish
• offish
• redfish

Kids Definition

shellfish

noun

shell·​fish ˈshel-ˌfish 

: an invertebrate animal that lives in water and has a shell

especially : an edible mollusk (as an oyster) or crustacean (as a crab)