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 stars of their menus have been the salmon fried rice and smash burger for lunch, and the morning mussel and breakfast tacos for breakfast. — Ruth Abramovitz, Sun Sentinel, 19 July 2026

Classics include meatballs in marinara sauce, bucatini carbonara, and Cioppino, a San Francisco seafood stew made with clams, mussels, shrimp, local catch, and Dungeness crab. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 July 2026

Invasive mussels and toxic algae Invasive quagga mussels were first spotted in the Snake River in 2023, and drastic measures were taken to stop their spread. — Hannah Smith updated July 8, Idaho Statesman, 8 July 2026

Surrounded by pines and bay trees, this large freshwater lake is home to several species of fish, mussels, and snails found nowhere else in the world. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 7 July 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