Cockling: meaning, definitions and examples

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cockling

 

[ ˈkɒklɪŋ ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

marine biology

Cockling refers to the practice of gathering cockles, which are edible bivalve mollusks. These small, often fan-shaped creatures are found in the sandy or muddy substrates of coastal waters. The process is common in various parts of the world and combines leisure with the gathering of a food source. This activity is not only enjoyed by individuals but is also a part of local economies in coastal communities.

Synonyms

clamming, shellfishing.

Examples of usage

  • I spent the afternoon cockling on the beach.
  • Cockling is a beloved pastime for many seaside families.
  • The local market sells fresh cockles harvested from the nearby estuary.
Context #2 | Verb

gathering shellfish

To cockle means to engage in the activity of collecting cockles from beaches or estuaries. This practice often requires specialized tools to dig and unearth these shellfish from the sand. Cockling can be a fun recreational activity that also supplies fresh seafood for cooking. It is essential to follow local regulations regarding harvesting to maintain sustainable populations.

Synonyms

collecting, gathering.

Examples of usage

  • We will cockle at low tide for a fresh dinner.
  • It's a popular summer activity to cockle along the coastline.
  • She enjoys cockling with her friends every weekend.

Translations

Translations of the word "cockling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 recolha de mariscos

🇮🇳 कॉकलिंग

🇩🇪 Muschelsammeln

🇮🇩 mengumpulkan kerang

🇺🇦 збирання мідій

🇵🇱 zbieranie małży

🇯🇵 貝拾い

🇫🇷 ramassage de coques

🇪🇸 recolección de almejas

🇹🇷 midye toplama

🇰🇷 조개 줍기

🇸🇦 جمع المحار

🇨🇿 sbírání mušlí

🇸🇰 zbieranie mušlí

🇨🇳 捡贝壳

🇸🇮 zbiranje školjk

🇮🇸 safn á skeljum

🇰🇿 моллюск жинау

🇬🇪 კოქლინგი

🇦🇿 dəniz qabıqları yığmaq

🇲🇽 recolección de almejas

Etymology

The word 'cockling' originates from 'cockle', which is believed to have derived from the Old English word 'cocca', potentially meaning 'shellfish'. Historically, the practice of gathering cockles can be traced back to ancient coastal communities where these mollusks formed a regular part of diets. Cockles have been consumed for centuries, and the gathering of these shellfish signifies a connection to the sea and local fisheries. The term itself may have evolved throughout the centuries, maintaining its association with both culinary use and leisure activities along the coast. As coastal cultures developed, so did the methods and traditions surrounding cockling, embedding it as a cherished practice in many maritime societies.