conch

noun

ˈkäŋk  ˈkänch 

ˈkȯŋk

plural conchs ˈkäŋks 

ˈkȯŋks

or conches ˈkän-chəz 

1

: any of various large spiral-shelled marine gastropod mollusks (as of the genus Strombus)

also : its shell used especially for cameos

2

often disparaging : a native or resident of the Florida Keys

3

: concha sense 2

Illustration of conch

• conch 1

Examples of conch in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Feast on fresh lobster, curried chicken, and stewed conch, among other island favorites, and wash it all down with a Carib at sunset at this still-secret, locals-only spot. —Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2026

As its name implies, the island is terrific for its shelling; keep an eye out for sand dollars, periwinkles, conch shells, pin shells, whelk, and olive shells. —Susan B. Barnes, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2026

In a new study published in March, a team of scientists from Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium used conch hops to calculate just how much space an amorous herd of conch need to mate. —Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2026

There’s also Marcus Samuelsson’s Streetbird on the Beach, which channels Caribbean flavors with dishes like Calypso conch fritters, escovitch chicken, and plantain waffles. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin concha mussel, mussel shell, from Greek konchē; akin to Sanskrit śaṅkha conch shell

First Known Use

1707, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for conch

• haunch
• launch
• paunch
• staunch
• protoconch

Kids Definition

conch

noun

ˈkäŋk  ˈkänch 

plural conchs ˈkäŋks  or conches

ˈkän-chəz

: a large marine gastropod mollusk having a spiral shell

also : its shell

Medical Definition

conch

noun

ˈkäŋk  ˈkänch 

ˈkȯŋk

plural conchs ˈkäŋks, ˈkȯŋks  or conches ˈkän-chəz 

: concha sense 1