conch

noun

plural conchs ˈkäŋks How to pronounce conch (audio)
ˈkȯŋks
or conches ˈkän-chəz How to pronounce conch (audio)
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

Illustration of conch

Illustration of conch
  • conch 1

Examples of conch in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some cheered the kids on with blasts from conch shells; another boater bugled tunes. Debra Utacia Krol, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2025 In the meantime, the seafood-heavy menu at The Shelbourne with dishes like red prawn ceviche or roasted grouper is a great option for dinner, while poolside dining offers more casual but delicious fare like conch fritters or a jerk smash burger. Elliott Harrell, Southern Living, 31 Aug. 2025 Broward residents who love the catfish and conch from Trick Daddy’s Sunday’s Eatery in Miami Gardens will now be able to enjoy the soul food in their backyard. Miami Herald, 30 Aug. 2025 On top of these rhythms, there’s call and response storytelling, and the blows of a conch shell. Mankaprr Conteh, Rolling Stone, 23 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for conch

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of conch was in 1707

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Conch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conch. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

conch

noun
plural conchs ˈkäŋks How to pronounce conch (audio) or conches
ˈkän-chəz
: a large marine gastropod mollusk having a spiral shell
also : its shell

Medical Definition

conch

noun
plural conchs ˈkäŋks, ˈkȯŋks How to pronounce conch (audio) or conches ˈkän-chəz How to pronounce conch (audio)

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