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.
Along the Adriatic coast, once abundant with mussels, nearly all have died off because of the sea temperatures that at times have exceeded 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit). — ABC News, 30 July 2026 Not surprisingly, seafood is central to the local cuisine, with such dishes as sole sablaise, a local fish; cuttlefish stew; and mouclade, a mussel dish, among the specialties. — Catherine Sabino, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 Steamed mussels are perfect with a Belgian white or witbier, such as Allagash White or Blue Moon. — Jay R. Brooks, Mercury News, 24 July 2026 Golden mussels reproduce rapidly, forming dense colonies on underwater surfaces that can clog pipes, pumps and critical water infrastructure while disrupting local ecosystems. — Reeti Malhotra, Sacbee.com, 21 July 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 9 Aug. 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

Nglish: Translation of mussel for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mussel

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