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
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State officials said the additional money will support boat inspections, decontamination, monitoring and other measures intended to prevent the mussels from reaching new waterways. — Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026 The species, native to Western Europe and Africa, has few predators, aggressively hunts its prey, and can consume a wide variety of shellfish, including oysters, clams, mussels, lobsters, and other crabs. — Victoria Malloy, Time, 21 Oct. 2026 Research suggests mussels also contain unique compounds that may offer medicinal benefits, including wound healing, as well as antimicrobial and anti-cancer effects. — Joy Emeh, HEALTH, 19 Oct. 2026 Cook, shaking pot occasionally, until mussels open, 5–7 minutes (discard any that do not open). — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Oct. 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 27 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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