oyster

noun

oys·​ter ˈȯi-stər 

often attributive

1

a

: any of various marine bivalve mollusks (family Ostreidae) that have a rough irregular shell closed by a single adductor muscle and include commercially important shellfish

b

: any of various mollusks resembling or related to the oysters

2

: something that is or can be readily made to serve one's personal ends

the world was her oyster

3

: a small mass of muscle contained in a concavity of the pelvic bone on each side of the back of a fowl

4

: an extremely taciturn person

5

: a grayish-white color

Examples of oyster in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Their seafood steam pots feature shrimp, clams, crabs, oysters, and even lobster tails, depending on your family's preferences. —Valerie Fraser Luesse, Southern Living, 1 Apr. 2026

On the second floor, Café Boulud serves bistro fare with a contemporary twist, including rotisserie dishes, freshly shucked oysters, and Lyonnais classics inspired by chef Daniel Boulud’s upbringing, all paired with an extensive international wine list. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026

The must-try spot was known for its chill vibe, amazing seafood (including oysters sourced from both coasts) and killer wine and beer offerings. —Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 30 Mar. 2026

Menu highlights will include Peruvian seafood crudo, West Coast oysters, crab cakes Benedict with caviar, Australian Wagyu steak and eggs, truffle croque madame and more. —Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English oistre, borrowed from Anglo-French oistre, ostre, going back to Latin ostrea, ostreum "bivalve mollusk, oyster," borrowed from Greek óstreion, óstreon, of uncertain origin

Note: Greek óstreion has traditionally been taken to be a derivative, with a suffix -ei-, of a stem going back to Indo-European *h₃esth₁-r-, from the base *h₃esth₁- "bone." See note at ostracon.

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing oyster

• European flat oyster
• European oyster
• Olympia oyster
• oyster bed
• oyster crab
• oyster cracker
• oyster drill
• oyster mushroom
• oyster plant
• seed oyster
• the world is someone's oyster
• vegetable oyster

Rhymes for oyster

• cloister
• moister
• royster

Kids Definition

oyster

noun

oys·​ter ˈȯi-stər 

: any of various marine mollusks that include important edible shellfish and have a rough uneven shell made up of two hinged parts and closed by a single muscle