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 plate is also available in clam, mussel, and shrimp motifs. —Emily Williams, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 June 2025

In fact, oysters accounted for the largest (56.8%) share of the $575 million in national mollusk industry sales that year—followed by clams (38.6%), mussels (3.9%), and abalone and other mollusks (both less than 1%). —Noël Fletcher, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025

The league says vigilance is key, especially for non-motorized watercraft — powerboats, kayaks, paddleboards, e-foils, fishing gear, water shoes and even floaties — since mussels can survive without water for more than a week, reproduce rapidly and tolerate a wide range of habitat conditions. —Rebecca-Ann Jattan, Sacbee.com, 17 June 2025

Tutto il Giorno There’s something simple yet elegant about the Southern Italian cuisine at Tutto il Giorni, where linguine with clams, mussels, shrimp, and penne with mozzarella are served in a quaint, rustic dining room. —Elise Taylor, Vogue, 2 June 2025

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