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

Seaweed and mussel operations already use similar longline structures in offshore environments. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Sep. 2026

In Agosto’s 45-seat space, diners can enjoy Mendes’s Portuguese fare rooted in New England with dishes like corn chawanmushi with pickled Bangs Island mussels or bluefin tuna with strawberry, tomato, and crispy kombu. — Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Sep. 2026

When mixed, the yeast microbes become coated with adhesive proteins similar to those used by mussels to anchor on stones underwater. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 10 Sep. 2026

The restaurant’s seafood assortment includes lobster, shrimp, clams, crab, crawfish and mussels. — Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 9 Sep. 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