mussel

noun

mus·​sel ˈmə-səl 

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

Nibble on crispy pork cheek, pearly mussels, and pumpkin and ricotta tortellini for starters—while mains range from confit chicken leg to hoi sin braised short rib (with Asian slaw and wasabi peas) and The Swan Burger, thick and juicy, with applewood cheddar, onion rings and crispy French fries. —Lewis Nunn, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025

What to try: Oysters on the half shell, steamed mussels or tuna poke. —Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 8 Jan. 2025

The study also compared the mussels' radioactivity to Brazil nuts, which naturally absorb radiation from the soil. —Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025

Participants will be given a glimpse inside the state’s first facility dedicated to raising freshwater mussels, federally endangered Hine’s emerald dragonflies and other aquatic species, district officials said in a news release. —Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2025

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

Phrases Containing mussel

• blue mussel
• quagga mussel
• zebra mussel

Kids Definition

mussel

noun

mus·​sel ˈməs-əl 

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