seashell

American  

[see-shel] / ˈsiˌʃɛl /

Or sea shell

noun

1. the shell of any marine mollusk.

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seashell British  

/ ˈsiːˌʃɛl /

noun

1. the empty shell of a marine mollusc

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Etymology

Origin of seashell

before 900; Old English sǣscill (not recorded in Middle English ) see sea, shell

Explanation

Many sea creatures live inside hard, protective cases called seashells. If you find a seashell on the beach, think of it as a tiny abandoned home of a sea creature. You can also call a seashell a shell, although "sea" distinguishes ocean shells from those of freshwater mollusks. If you've ever walked on a beach, you've seen seashells, and maybe even collected some to take home (after checking to make sure no tiny creatures were living inside). Clams, snails, and oysters are all examples of animals that live in seashells. One of the most famous mentions of this word appears in the tongue twister: "She sells seashells by the seashore." Try saying that ten times, fast!

Example Sentences

“You’re going after someone for something that’s just silly. If the guy really was dirty, you should have something on him other than this seashell picture.”

From Salon • May 5, 2026

US Secret Service agents interviewed Comey last May about the seashell photo.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

Fans of the original animated movie will recognize the scene of a young Moana playing with the ocean after seeing a seashell on the shore.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 18, 2025

Jenny Slate and Dean Fleischer Camp’s whimsical stop-motion animated film about a one-inch tall seashell with a big heart and an endearing fondness for Lesley Stahl.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 18, 2024

"Witches have slightly larger nose-holes than ordinary people. The rim of each nose-hole is pink and curvy, like the rim of a certain kind of seashell."

From "The Witches" by Roald Dahl