mussel

noun mus·sel \ ˈmə-səl \

Updated on: 12 May 2018

Definition of mussel

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

See mussel defined for English-language learners

See mussel defined for kids

Recent Examples of mussel from the Web

Reduce heat to medium and add mussels; cook 3 minutes.

— charlyne mattox, Country Living, "Seafood and Sausage Stew," 12 Apr. 2018
The kitchen also makes Mexican sashimi ($14) with local salmon, and chorizo and mussels ($15) in a white wine broth.

— michael bauer, San Francisco Chronicle, "Don Pistos does Mexican cuisine like no one else," 5 Apr. 2018
Through sheer numbers, the mussels out-compete beneficial native clams and mollusks.

— shannon tompkins, Houston Chronicle, "Boaters key to slowing invasive species," 3 Mar. 2018
Offer some salty fish to keep things interesting—canned mussels and herring seasoned with olive oil, black pepper, and chopped sweet-hot peppers (such as Mama Lil’s Sweet-Hot Peppers).

— elaine johnson, Sunset, "10 Ideas for Building the Perfect Charcuterie Board," 22 Jan. 2018
Their favorite snacks include crabs, clams, mussels, starfish, small fish, sea urchins, and marine worms.

— margeaux sippell, BostonGlobe.com, "Lobsters have teeth? Yes, they do," 23 Apr. 2018
Boules sources locally farmed mussels for its take on the classic Belgian dish moules-frites, which is accompanied by crispy fries and a trio of fiery salsas.

— peter cheng, Los Angeles Magazine, "Mexican-Food Expert Bill Esparza Has Curated Cruise Excursions That Are a Gastronome’s Dream," 23 Apr. 2018
The debris entangles and kills all sorts of sea animals, including turtles, dolphins, and whales, and breaks down into microscopic particles that are consumed by fish and filter feeders like mussels and oysters.

— NBC News, "The Pacific Ocean has a plastic problem. Here's the bold plan to fix it," 21 Apr. 2018
The well-prepared mussels gained considerably from a rich, buttery sauce, not to mention flavorful, grease-free fries.

— tim smith, baltimoresun.com, "Downtown gets a new French accent from Chez Hugo bistro," 20 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'mussel.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of mussel

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

MUSSEL Defined for English Language Learners

mussel

noun

Definition of mussel for English Language Learners

: a type of shellfish that has a long dark shell

MUSSEL Defined for Kids

mussel

noun mus·sel \ ˈmə-səl \

Definition of mussel for Students

1 : a saltwater shellfish that has a long dark shell in two parts and is sometimes used as food

2 : a freshwater clam of the United States with shells from which mother-of-pearl is obtained

Learn More about mussel

See words that rhyme with mussel Spanish Central: Translation of mussel Nglish: Translation of mussel for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mussel

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up mussel? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

mussel

Definition of mussel

Recent Examples of mussel from the Web

Origin and Etymology of mussel

MUSSEL Defined for English Language Learners

mussel

Definition of mussel for English Language Learners

MUSSEL Defined for Kids

mussel

Definition of mussel for Students

Learn More about mussel

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

garrulous

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

12 Words from All Over the Map

'Ingenious' and 'Ingenuous': More Than a Typo

A Matter-of-Fact Look at 'Deadpan'

9 Words from the Magical Realm

Ask the Editors

Ghost Word

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

Literally

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

Word Games

Words Used by Nabokov Quiz

Farm Idioms Quiz

True or False?

Syn City

12 Words from All Over the Map

'Ingenious' and 'Ingenuous': More Than a Typo

Words Used by Nabokov Quiz

Trending: Melania Trump Undergoes 'Embolization'

Ghost Word

mussel

Definition of mussel

Recent Examples of mussel from the Web

Origin and Etymology of mussel

MUSSEL Defined for English Language Learners

mussel

Definition of mussel for English Language Learners

MUSSEL Defined for Kids

mussel

Definition of mussel for Students

Learn More about mussel

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

12 Words from All Over the Map

'Ingenious' and 'Ingenuous': More Than a Typo

Words Used by Nabokov Quiz

Trending: Melania Trump Undergoes 'Embolization'

Ghost Word