: any of numerous large marine snails (as of the genus Buccinum)
especially : one (B. undatum) used as food in Europe

Illustration of whelk

Illustration of whelk

whelk

2 of 2

noun (2)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Yet the whelk's shell (right) is even more amazing. Discover Magazine, 31 Jan. 2013

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'whelk.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English welke, from Old English weoloc; akin to Middle Dutch willoc whelk and perhaps to Latin volvere to turn — more at voluble

Noun (2)

Middle English whelke, from Old English hwylca, from hwelian to suppurate

First Known Use

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near whelk

Cite this Entry

“Whelk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whelk. Accessed 9 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

whelk

noun
ˈhwelk,
ˈwelk,
ˈwilk
: any of numerous large marine snails
especially : one used for food in Europe

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