conch
noun
the spiral shell of a gastropod, often used as a horn.
conch
1 American
[kongk, konch]
/ kɒŋk, kɒntʃ /
noun
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conchs,
plural
-
conches
plural
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the spiral shell of a gastropod, often used as a horn.
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any of various marine gastropods.
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the fabled shell trumpet of the Tritons.
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(often initial capital letter)
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a term used to refer to a native or inhabitant of the Florida Keys.
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a term used to refer to a Bahamian.
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Architecture. Also a smooth concave surface consisting of or resembling the interior of a semidome, as the surface of a vault, a trompe, or the head of a niche.
conch-
2
American
conch
British
/ kɒŋk, kɒntʃ /
noun
-
any of various tropical marine gastropod molluscs of the genus Strombus and related genera, esp S. gigas (giant conch), characterized by a large brightly coloured spiral shell
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the shell of such a mollusc, used as a trumpet
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architect another name for concha
Sensitive Note
Conch is usually a neutral nickname or term of self-reference for any person living in the Florida Keys or the Bahamas, where conch (the flesh of the gastropod) is a popular food. However, the nickname conch is sometimes used with disparaging intent when specifically referring to a person of Bahamian ancestry living in the Florida Keys. And Loyalists who fled to the Bahamas during the Revolutionary War used the nickname conch to refer disparagingly to a native or early settler of the Bahamas.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of conch
1350–1400; Middle English < Latin concha < Greek kónchē mussel, shell
Explanation
A conch is a sea creature that has a distinctive, spiral-shaped shell. If you visit the Bahamas, you might see a conch on the beach or find it on a restaurant menu. The large, brightly colored spiral shells people buy at gift shops in beach towns are conch shells. In many parts of the world, conch meat, both raw and cooked, is a seafood delicacy that shows up in salads, soups, and fritters. You can also use a conch shell as a musical instrument by blowing into one end of it. The word conch comes from the Latin concha, "shellfish," from a Greek root, konkhē, "mussel or cockle."
Vocabulary lists containing conch
Something's Fishy: A Fresh Catch of Aquatic Words
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This Week In Words: Current Events Vocab for February 6–12, 2021
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Reef Awareness Day, List 1
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
Chipped conch shells and scattered bone whistles point to a musical ambience.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 23, 2026
Protesters blew conch shells - the sound is considered auspicious.
From BBC ● Aug. 15, 2024
Officers reported finding two empty conch shells next to a pot and an active fire.
From Washington Times ● Nov. 22, 2023
Under the international bridge connecting Eagle Pass, Texas, with Piedras Negras, Mexico, protesters gathered at Shelby Park this month, chanting “save the river” and blowing a conch shell in a ceremony.
From Seattle Times ● Jul. 23, 2023
The large television system and all those French love songs and rara records, with the talking drums and conch shell sounds in them.
From "Krik? Krak!" by Edwidge Danticat
"I got the conch-" "Conch! Conch!" shouted Jack.
From "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding
And I've got the conch-" "You haven't got it with you," said Jack, sneering. "You left it behind.
From "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding
An Indian air force helicopter dropped flower petals outside, priests blew conches and chanted, but Modi was the star.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 2, 2024
Police said a witness told them a man caught the conches and then cooked and ate the sea snails at his campsite.
From Washington Times ● Nov. 22, 2023
Another neglected hazard is decompression sickness among divers forced to make repeated deep dives, a common problem in harvesting lobster, sea cucumbers and conches, the report said.
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 2, 2022
In its most extreme examples, ears twist like conches, teeth and eyes multiply, and hair melts into nothingness.
From The Verge ● Mar. 5, 2019
The alcove was studded with cowries, conches, and scallops.
From "The Mark of Athena" by Rick Riordan
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said they charged Burley David Smith, 67, with a felony for catching and consuming two queen conchs while the suspect was fishing on Wisteria Island.
From Washington Times ● Nov. 22, 2023
One reason conchs have been difficult to restore in Florida is the mollusk’s life cycle.
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 5, 2023
Seagrass beds where conchs gather in large grounds have been severely damaged by storms such as Hurricane Maria in 2017, leading to thinning herds, scientists say.
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 5, 2023
Some countries say they are doing their best to manage conchs responsibly.
From Science Magazine ● Dec. 22, 2022
Those mighty bowmen are uttering leonine roars, blowing their conchs, and shaking their bows.
From The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 3 Books 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 by Kisari Mohan Ganguli
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
