whelk

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈ(h)welk How to pronounce whelk (audio) ˈ(h)wilk How to pronounce whelk (audio)
Synonyms of whelknext
: any of numerous large marine snails (as of the genus Buccinum)
especially : one (B. undatum) used as food in Europe

Illustration of whelk

Illustration of whelk

whelk

2 of 2

noun (2)

ˈ(h)welk How to pronounce whelk (audio)
: papule, pustule

Synonyms

Noun (2)

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Examples of whelk in a Sentence

Noun (2) unsightly whelks covered the beggar's face
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.
Noun
Serious shellers know to get to the beach early for prime specimens like sand dollars, whelks, and scallops. — Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 11 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English welke, from Old English weoloc; akin to Middle Dutch willoc whelk and perhaps to Latin volvere to turn — more at voluble

Noun (2)

Middle English whelke, from Old English hwylca, from hwelian to suppurate

First Known Use

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of whelk was before the 12th century

Rhymes for whelk

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Browse Nearby Words

whelk
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Cite this Entry

“Whelk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whelk. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

whelk

noun
ˈhwelk,
ˈwelk,
ˈwilk
: any of numerous large marine snails
especially : one used for food in Europe

More from Merriam-Webster on whelk

Nglish: Translation of whelk for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about whelk

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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