conch

noun

ˈkäŋk How to pronounce conch (audio) ˈkänch How to pronounce conch (audio)
ˈkȯŋk
plural conchs ˈkäŋks How to pronounce conch (audio)
ˈkȯŋks
 or conches ˈkän-chəz How to pronounce conch (audio)
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

Illustration of conch
  • conch 1

Examples of conch 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.
So do the large pink or queen conch, the fighting conch, the tulip band shell, the helmet shells and the cask shells. — Literary Hub, 8 June 2026 Low tide is the ideal time to discover treasures like sand dollars, conchs, and the elusive junonia. — Allison Tibaldi, USA Today, 9 June 2026 For instance, there are glazed pork belly chunks served on crispy tostones, tuna tataki with a jerk-spice rub, and a bright, citrusy conch salad. — Chadner Navarro, Travel + Leisure, 29 June 2026 Swaying palms, turquoise waters and historic conch cottages have long defined the allure of Key West. — Stephanie Orma, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for conch

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of conch was in 1707

Rhymes for conch

See All Rhymes for conch

Browse Nearby Words

concetto
conch
concha
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Conch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conch. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

conch

noun
ˈkäŋk How to pronounce conch (audio) ˈkänch How to pronounce conch (audio)
plural conchs ˈkäŋks How to pronounce conch (audio) or conches
ˈkän-chəz
: a large marine gastropod mollusk having a spiral shell
also : its shell

Medical Definition

More from Merriam-Webster on conch

Nglish: Translation of conch for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about conch

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