shellfish

noun

shell·​fish ˈshel-ˌfish How to pronounce shellfish (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Beef is a good source of vitamin B12, but several foods—including shellfish and organ meats—contain even more. Joy Emeh, Health, 2 June 2026 Plenty of shellfish, lamb, and root vegetables in the main restaurant. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026 People should avoid eating raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters, per the Cleveland Clinic. Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026 Its diet of shellfish lends a taste and texture unlike other fish. Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 30 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for shellfish

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shellfish was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Shellfish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shellfish. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

shellfish

noun
shell·​fish ˈshel-ˌfish How to pronounce shellfish (audio)
: an invertebrate animal that lives in water and has a shell
especially : an edible mollusk (as an oyster) or crustacean (as a crab)

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