zebra mussel

noun

: a chiefly freshwater Eurasian bivalve mollusk (Dreissena polymorpha) that was accidentally introduced into the Great Lakes and has spread to other waterways where it colonizes and clogs water intake pipes and competes with native fish for food

Examples of zebra mussel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Authorities have intercepted four boats already this season with invasive mussels onboard — three with zebra mussels that have been spreading around the U.S. since the 2000s, and one with golden mussels. —Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2026

Also, for boat owners, most lakes require inspections for invasive zebra mussels. —R. Scott Rappold, Denver Post, 1 June 2026

Officials say every time after leaving the water, boaters should clean, drain and dry to prevent the spread of zebra mussels. —Ubah Ali, CBS News, 25 May 2026

Two other species of invasive mollusks, the zebra mussel and quagga mussel, have entered California over the past 20 years. —Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 8 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

so named from a comparison of the irregular dark striping on the shell to a zebra's stripes

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for zebra mussel

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