mussel

noun

mus·​sel ˈmə-səl How to pronounce mussel (audio)
1
: a marine bivalve mollusk (especially genus Mytilus) usually having a dark elongated shell
2
: a freshwater bivalve mollusk (as of Unio, Anodonta, or related genera) that is especially abundant in rivers of the central U.S. and has a shell lined with mother-of-pearl

Examples of mussel in a Sentence

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.
Harvesting bivalves, like clams, oysters, scallops and mussels, is especially sustainable because these species do not require feed. — Ian Urbina, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026 Many were injured, and there was insufficient food—including eight chocolate bars, some wine, two tins of mussels—to support survivors. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 Oct. 2026 One of these proteins is similar to those produced by mussels that enable them to stick to surfaces like rocks. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026 Now a charming village, with its traditional church with prominent spire overlooking the town and the old clock tower converted into a wonderful mussel and fish restaurant. — Natasha Langan, TheWeek, 29 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mussel

Word History

Etymology

Middle English muscle, from Old English muscelle, from Vulgar Latin *muscula, from Latin musculus muscle, mussel

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Phrases Containing mussel

Rhymes for mussel

See All Rhymes for mussel

Browse Nearby Words

mussalchee
mussel
mussel bill
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mussel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mussel. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

mussel

noun
mus·​sel ˈməs-əl How to pronounce mussel (audio)
1
: any of various edible saltwater mollusks with a long dark hinged double shell
2
: any of numerous freshwater mollusks of rivers of the central U.S. whose hinged double shells are lined with mother-of-pearl

More from Merriam-Webster on mussel

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mussel

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