Mollusk: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used in scientific or educational contexts to refer to a soft-bodied invertebrate animal, often having a shell, such as snails, clams, and squid.

• Marine biologists study different kinds of mollusks to learn about ocean ecosystems
• The garden snail is a common type of mollusk

Commonly used in culinary contexts to refer to edible marine animals with shells, such as crabs, lobsters, and clams. It can sometimes carry a cautionary note for people with allergies.

• Many people enjoy seafood dishes that include different kinds of shellfish
• Be careful if you're allergic to shellfish; it can cause severe reactions

Often used in everyday language to refer to the hard, outer covering of certain marine animals that are often found washed up on beaches.

• Children love collecting seashells during their beach vacations
• The artist created a beautiful necklace out of various seashells

Used primarily in American English when referring to a soft-bodied invertebrate that often has a shell.

• The ocean is home to many fascinating mollusks, like octopuses and snails.
• She studied the unique features of mollusks in her marine biology class.

Commonly used in British English for the same group of animals as 'mollusk'.

• The child eagerly examined the molluscs they found in the rock pool.
• Molluscs such as clams and oysters are considered delicacies in many cultures.