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

Remove the pan from the heat and discard any mussels that have not opened. —Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 11 Apr. 2024

On the far right, a seafood bar displays oysters, lobster, mussels and other marine creatures. —Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2024

Source - Honest Paws sources their green-lipped mussel powder from the pristine waters of New Zealand, where the mussels are sustainably harvested and freeze-dried to preserve their natural nutritional benefits. —Holistapet, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024

That fits with how scientists suspect the mussels make their living. —Veronique Greenwood, New York Times, 6 Feb. 2024

Dinner included a starter of marinated mussels, cheese, and olives. —Lauren Mowery, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024

Hip & Joint: Eases stiffness due to normal daily exercise and activity with green-lipped mussels and omega-3 fatty acids from salmon oil and cod oil. —Melissa Karns, USA TODAY, 30 Jan. 2024

The restaurant serves lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch, with a menu that runs the gamut from crispy calamari and steamed mussels to a variety of salads and flatbreads. —Jenny Hartley, Charlotte Observer, 26 Jan. 2024

Try his Mediterranean red bream made with kabocha pumpkin and mussels marinières, with a Sturia (Osetra caviar) supplement for an additional €15. —Jordan Riefe, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Jan. 2024

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

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