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

Ever-thoughtful, the restaurant is also a champion for diners with dietary restrictions like gluten, dairy, nuts, or shellfish. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 June 2026

Raw or undercooked meat, fish, shellfish and eggs, along with unpasteurized milk, dairy and juices, are especially likely to be contaminated. —Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 16 June 2026

Captain Jim’s Seafood Market & Restaurant, a no-frills spot that served fresh fish and shellfish in the city for 30 years, is closing for good. —Connie Ogle june 11, Miami Herald, 11 June 2026

Neither does consuming alcohol with the shellfish. —Eva Flowe june 11, Charlotte Observer, 11 June 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)