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

The state’s data does not specify whether the infections or death occurred from eating shellfish or from an open wound. — Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 25 July 2026

Advertisement Raw oysters and shellfish Raw oysters show up on a lot of experts' no-go lists. — Angela Haupt, Time, 23 July 2026

Snail and shellfish allergies are relatively common and can be dangerous. — Laura Dorwart, Health, 22 July 2026

Tanqueray gin, cucumber-lime juice and tonic keep the drink light enough for the shellfish. — Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

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)