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

This waterfront favorite sits on a natural cove just below Cap Maison and serves up seafood classics like fish & chips, plus regional hits including creole fish stew with curry and island conch fritters with chili mango chutney. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 3 Mar. 2026

Be sure to make a reservation or risk missing out on savoring conch fritters and the signature pulled pork burger. —Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 3 Mar. 2026

One musician lifts a Haitian conch. —Emma Madden, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026

All Saints is also offering a $31 piercing special, plus the cost of the jewelry, for lobe, helix, conch, rook, tragus, flat, nostril, eyebrow, lip, Medusa, labret, Ashley, Monroe, tongue and nipple. —Julianna Duennes Russ, Austin American Statesman, 6 Feb. 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