Search Dictionary
Definition of whelk

whelk

/wɛlk/
whelk
Plural:whelks
JUMP TO:

whelk Lexical Profile

whelk Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Any of various large, predatory marine snails, particularly those in the family Buccinidae, characterized by a sturdy, spiral shell and often harvested as food.

Example

"While walking along the shoreline at low tide, the marine biology students collected several empty whelk shells scattered among the seaweed."

2

A raised, inflamed spot on the skin, such as a pimple or pustule.

Example

"The historical medical text described the affliction as a sudden outbreak of painful whelks across the patient's shoulders."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for whelk

• Rhymes for whelk

• Nearby Words

wheezily
wheeziness
wheezy
whelk
when
whence
whenever

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'weoloc' or 'wiluc', referring to a marine snail used for food or dye, of Germanic origin.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Whelk. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/whelk
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.