conch

noun

ˈkäŋk  ˈkänch 

ˈkȯŋk

plural conchs ˈkäŋks 

ˈkȯŋks

or conches ˈkän-chəz 

1

: any of various large spiral-shelled marine gastropod mollusks (as of the genus Strombus)

also : its shell used especially for cameos

2

often disparaging : a native or resident of the Florida Keys

3

: concha sense 2

Illustration of conch

• conch 1

Examples of conch in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While there, spend the day in the sun on Grace Bay Beach, take in the archipelago by boat tour, explore its large barrier reef by snorkeling or diving, go whale watching in the winter, and indulge in some fresh local conch. — Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2026

Swaying palms, turquoise waters and historic conch cottages have long defined the allure of Key West. — Stephanie Orma, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Meanwhile, environmental groups have been pushing to protect staghorn coral and queen conch nearby. — Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 28 June 2026

And the trajectory of the fatal bullet — which entered through the lower back left side of DeGuzman’s head and exited out the conch of her left ear — eliminated the possibility of DeGuzman shooting herself, the prosecutor claimed. — Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 23 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin concha mussel, mussel shell, from Greek konchē; akin to Sanskrit śaṅkha conch shell

First Known Use

1707, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for conch

• haunch
• launch
• paunch
• staunch
• protoconch

Kids Definition

conch

noun

ˈkäŋk  ˈkänch 

plural conchs ˈkäŋks  or conches

ˈkän-chəz

: a large marine gastropod mollusk having a spiral shell

also : its shell

Medical Definition

conch

noun

ˈkäŋk  ˈkänch 

ˈkȯŋk

plural conchs ˈkäŋks, ˈkȯŋks  or conches ˈkän-chəz 

: concha sense 1