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

Baked onions are topped with lemon jam and fruits, while mussels come with capers and wind fennel gathered nearby, and the wine list draws heavily on Tinian Vineyards. — Monica Mendal, Vogue, 10 Aug. 2026

Health officials also offer cooking instructions for clams, mussels and other shellfish. — ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026

To avoid getting Vibrio vulnificus, the health department suggests avoiding raw oysters or other raw shellfish and cooking shellfish like oysters, clams, mussels thoroughly before ingesting them. — Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026

Mussels Like oysters, mussels are a source of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. — Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 6 Aug. 2026

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

Rhymes for mussel

• bustle
• hustle
• muscle
• russel
• rustle
• trussell
• tussle
• mofussil

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