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

The faux snug pairs a conch with a helix or double-helix piercing, while the faux rook is one piercing in the upper inner cartilage with a dangle or drop-style jewelry to mimic the look of a traditional rook piercing. —Marianne Mychaskiw, Allure, 24 Jan. 2026

That conch shell scene, for instance, came with a fair share of scrapes and bruises. —Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 7 Jan. 2026

The Spanish chef’s fine-dining concept is an homage to the glories of the world’s oceans, with a strong emphasis on the bounty of the local waters that includes lionfish, Mahi Mahi, and an entire menu section devoted entirely to various renditions of conch. —Jesse Ashlock, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Jan. 2026

The outfit also offers more low-key options like paddleboarding and e-foiling, plus half- and full-day excursions to popular snorkeling spots and the conch mounds. —Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 7 Jan. 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