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 seafood chowder with crab meat, shrimp, and conch is comfortingly creamy, while the Jamaican-style Wagyu beef cheek curry is bursting with flavor. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

The inclusion of these, and of striking infrared shots turning the lush island greens blood red, and of still photography, all help fracture the toxic order (plus one conch) that had been holding the boys together. —Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 20 May 2026

Congas, bongos, and a Creole conch shell sit alongside guitar, keyboards, and horns. —Steve Appleford, SPIN, 18 May 2026

At the site, archaeologists also found tools such as conch shell hammers and shark tooth knives used to prepare food. —Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 15 May 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