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

This wine pairs well with shellfish, vegetarian dishes, and cheese, especially goat's milk cheese, complementing the wine's fresh and vibrant character. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 25 Jan. 2025

These also include eggs, fish, milk, peanuts, sesame, shellfish, soybeans and wheat. —John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025

Other foods commonly involved in norovirus outbreaks are leafy greens, fresh fruit, and other shellfish (such as clams, geoducks, mussels, and scallops). —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 8 Jan. 2025

Shellfish Clams, mussels, and oysters are nutrient-dense shellfish rich in protein, vitamin B12, zinc, and copper. —Lindsey Desoto, Rd, Ld, Verywell Health, 3 Jan. 2025

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)