shellfish

noun

shell·​fish ˈshel-ˌfish 

: an aquatic invertebrate animal with a shell

especially : an edible mollusk or crustacean

Examples of shellfish in a Sentence

lobsters, crabs, and other shellfish

Recent Examples on the Web

Julia collected different designs of certain gadget categories, such as knives for opening shellfish, and acquired many others in the spirit of experimentation. —Paula J. Johnson, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Oct. 2024

According to the National Institute of Health, fish and shellfish can contain varying levels of methylmercury (a toxic metal) that may harm an unborn baby. —Ronnie Koenig, Parents, 25 Oct. 2024

The most common food allergies are peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, milk, eggs, wheat, spelt, rye, barley, soy, red meat, and sesame. —Daniel More, Health, 24 Oct. 2024

Some collagen supplements are derived from fish and shellfish protein. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 8 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

shellfish

noun

shell·​fish ˈshel-ˌfish 

: an invertebrate animal that lives in water and has a shell

especially : an edible mollusk (as an oyster) or crustacean (as a crab)