abalone

noun

ab·​a·​lo·​ne ˌa-bə-ˈlō-nē  ˈa-bə-ˌlō-nē 

: any of a genus (Haliotis) of edible rock-clinging gastropod mollusks that have a flattened shell slightly spiral in form, lined with mother-of-pearl, and with a row of apertures along its outer edge

Examples of abalone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

From that test case, the researchers found the abalone had to be at least six feet in distance to reproduce, preferably in groups of at least six for a greater chance of a male and female within the group. —Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 14 Mar. 2026

The succulent abalone, drizzled with a garlic-butter sauce that complements its delicate flavor, is a standout. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Feb. 2026

The suspect then voluntarily relinquished a second abalone, also from her pants, according to California DFW. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 9 Feb. 2026

Lo mai gai, the sticky, meaty rice bundles wrapped in lotus leaves, are fragrant and balanced, particularly a version laced with abalone that brings some welcome marine funk to the mix. —Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

American Spanish abulón, from Rumsen (Ohlone language of Monterey Bay, California) aulon

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for abalone

• atony
• baloney
• begone
• canzone
• estrone
• fanconi
• mansoni
• moloney
• morone
• ngoni
• pallone
• quinone

Kids Definition

abalone

noun

ab·​a·​lo·​ne ˌab-ə-ˈlō-nē  ˈab-ə-ˌ 

: a mollusk with a flattened slightly spiral shell that has holes along the edge and is lined with mother-of-pearl