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 photo shows the patch of grass under a tree, with a conch shell lying on it, which appears to serve as the grave’s only marker. —Martha Ross, Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2026

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

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