mussel

noun

mus·​sel ˈmə-səl 

1

: a marine bivalve mollusk (especially genus Mytilus) usually having a dark elongated shell

2

: a freshwater bivalve mollusk (as of Unio, Anodonta, or related genera) that is especially abundant in rivers of the central U.S. and has a shell lined with mother-of-pearl

Examples of mussel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The nomadic hunters and gatherers would have also used the Trinity River as a food source, Barrera added, harvesting mussels, fish and turtles from its waters. —Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2026

Expect their greatest hits like lamb belly massaman curry, Hat Yai fried chicken, and clams and mussels with chile jam, ‘nduja, lime leaf, and sourdough. —Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 Mar. 2026

The population expanded through major river systems and began to threaten other species that are native to the Bay, including blue crabs, clams and mussels. —Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026

Recognizable by their strong pharyngeal teeth used to crush mollusc shells, black carps can significantly impact local ecosystems by feeding on mussels and snails, and competing with other native benthic fishes like smallmouth buffalo. —Cheyenne Derksen, Oklahoman, 18 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English muscle, from Old English muscelle, from Vulgar Latin *muscula, from Latin musculus muscle, mussel

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing mussel

• blue mussel
• quagga mussel
• zebra mussel

Rhymes for mussel

• bustle
• hustle
• muscle
• russel
• rustle
• trussell
• tussle
• mofussil

Kids Definition

mussel

noun

mus·​sel ˈməs-əl 

1

: any of various edible saltwater mollusks with a long dark hinged double shell

2

: any of numerous freshwater mollusks of rivers of the central U.S. whose hinged double shells are lined with mother-of-pearl