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
The agreement also includes altogether new goals, such as a first-time goal for freshwater mussels, calling for development of mussel conservation plans in five bay tributaries by 2035.
—
Christine Condon, Baltimore Sun, 8 July 2025
Sauvignon Blanc also pairs perfectly with warm weather foods like salads and seafood including scallops, sushi, mussels, and shrimp.
—Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 3 July 2025
Seven endangered mussel varieties – with names like monkeyface, wartyback and Ohio pigtoe – will be moved to safety in late summer or early fall.
—Patricia Gallagher Newberry, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Fish & seafood: Cold-water fatty fish (sardines, wild salmon), oysters, clams, and mussels for omega-3s, zinc and B12.
—Lauren Mallers
updated July 2, Miami Herald, 2 July 2025
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Christine Condon, Baltimore Sun, 8 July 2025
Sauvignon Blanc also pairs perfectly with warm weather foods like salads and seafood including scallops, sushi, mussels, and shrimp.
—Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 3 July 2025
Seven endangered mussel varieties – with names like monkeyface, wartyback and Ohio pigtoe – will be moved to safety in late summer or early fall.
—Patricia Gallagher Newberry, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Fish & seafood: Cold-water fatty fish (sardines, wild salmon), oysters, clams, and mussels for omega-3s, zinc and B12.
—Lauren Mallers
updated July 2, Miami Herald, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for mussel
Cite this Entry
“Mussel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mussel. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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