shellfish

noun

shell·​fish ˈshel-ˌfish 

: an aquatic invertebrate animal with a shell

especially : an edible mollusk or crustacean

Examples of shellfish in a Sentence

lobsters, crabs, and other shellfish

Recent Examples on the Web

Mercury exposure in humans, which can affect the brain, cardiovascular and nervous systems, often occurs through consumption of contaminated fish and shellfish. —Connor Giffin, Louisville Courier Journal, 20 Feb. 2026

The shellfish may be contaminated with norovirus, a virus that can cause severe stomach symptoms, including nausea and vomiting. —Jenna Anderson, Health, 20 Feb. 2026

The Archdiocese says fish, shrimp, crab, lobster and other shellfish can also be eaten. —Rin Velasco, The Providence Journal, 20 Feb. 2026

The Maryland Department of the Environment issued a shellfish closure in the same area. —N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 19 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for shellfish

• bluefish
• catfish
• codfish
• crawfish
• dogfish
• finfish
• flatfish
• goldfish
• groundfish
• kingfish
• offish
• redfish

Kids Definition

shellfish

noun

shell·​fish ˈshel-ˌfish 

: an invertebrate animal that lives in water and has a shell

especially : an edible mollusk (as an oyster) or crustacean (as a crab)