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

There are also concerns about how the wastewater discharged from desalination, which typically contains high concentrations of minerals, would harm fish, shellfish and other animals if not mixed well with existing water in Corpus Christi Bay. —Michelle Hummel, Fortune, 25 May 2026

Wash raw fruits and vegetables, and cook oysters and other shellfish. —Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 24 May 2026

There are also concerns about how the wastewater discharged from desalination, which typically contains high concentrations of minerals, would harm fish, shellfish and other animals if not mixed well with existing water in Corpus Christi Bay. —Michelle Hummel, The Conversation, 22 May 2026

Satisfy the seafood lovers at your potluck with this shrimp casserole, but be sure it's labeled for attendees with shellfish allergies. —Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 12 May 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)