conch

noun

ˈkäŋk How to pronounce conch (audio) ˈkänch How to pronounce conch (audio)
ˈkȯŋk
plural conchs ˈkäŋks How to pronounce conch (audio)
ˈkȯŋks
 or conches ˈkän-chəz How to pronounce conch (audio)
1
: any of various large spiral-shelled marine gastropod mollusks (as of the genus Strombus)
also : its shell used especially for cameos
2
often disparaging : a native or resident of the Florida Keys
3
: concha sense 2

Illustration of conch

Illustration of conch
  • conch 1

Examples of conch in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At Auntie Luba’s Kitchen, a rustic kitchen that’s across the street from the hotel and overlooks the Placencia Lagoon, regional fare like curry chicken and conch fritters are served family-style—and meals end with a bonfire. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 2026 That means the two major dredging projects in Broward County could also disturb nearby populations of queen conch, Muir told the USA TODAY Network. — Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026 In a 1987 article for the New York Times, Albuquerque jewelry salesman Manny Goodman recalls seeing Native Americans wearing bandanas clasped with silver conches as early as the 1930s. — Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 31 Aug. 2026 The scallop shaker has three holes on the top and is ideal for salt, while the conch one has two holes perfect for pepper or other spice seasonings of your choice. — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for conch

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin concha mussel, mussel shell, from Greek konchē; akin to Sanskrit śaṅkha conch shell

First Known Use

1707, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of conch was in 1707

Rhymes for conch

See All Rhymes for conch

Browse Nearby Words

concetto
conch
concha
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Cite this Entry

“Conch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conch. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

conch

noun
ˈkäŋk How to pronounce conch (audio) ˈkänch How to pronounce conch (audio)
plural conchs ˈkäŋks How to pronounce conch (audio) or conches
ˈkän-chəz
: a large marine gastropod mollusk having a spiral shell
also : its shell

Medical Definition

More from Merriam-Webster on conch

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about conch

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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