ENGLISH
REFERENCE

oyster

n. · v.
US //ˈɔɪstɝ// UK //ˈɔɪstɐ// oys·ter
  1. 1 shellfish (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a sea animal with a hard, rough shell that stays in one place on rocks.

    a marine bivalve mollusc, typically found in shallow coastal or brackish waters, often harvested for food or pearls.

    Example

    We ordered a dozen fresh oysters at the seafood restaurant by the harbour.

    Example

    The local economy relies heavily on the cultivation of oysters, which thrive in the nutrient-rich waters of the estuary.
  2. 2 opportunity (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    used in the phrase 'the world is your oyster' to mean you can do anything you want.

    used figuratively to describe a situation where one has the freedom and opportunity to achieve anything.

    Example

    Now that you have graduated, the world is your oyster.

    Example

    With his newfound wealth and professional connections, he felt that the world was his oyster, offering limitless possibilities for travel and investment.
  3. 3 secretive person (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Informal

    a person who is very quiet and keeps secrets well.

    a person who is remarkably taciturn or capable of maintaining strict confidentiality.

    Example

    You can tell Sarah anything; she is an absolute oyster.

    Example

    Despite the intense pressure from the press, the witness remained an oyster, refusing to divulge any details regarding the private meeting.
    • chatterbox
  4. 4 poultry meat (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Cooking

    a small, tasty piece of dark meat found on the back of a chicken or turkey.

    the small, oval-shaped morsel of tender dark meat located in a cavity of the pelvic bone in fowl.

    Example

    The chef says the oyster is the best part of the roasted chicken.

    Example

    Experienced carvers know to extract the oysters from the underside of the bird, as they are widely considered the most succulent portion of the carcass.

  5. 5 travel card (n.)
    B1 Intermediate British English

    a plastic card used to pay for travel on buses and trains in London.

    a form of electronic ticket used on public transport in Greater London.

    Example

    I need to top up my Oyster card before we go to the tube station.

    Example

    Commuters in London frequently use their Oyster cards for seamless transfers between the Underground and local bus networks.
  6. 6 to fish (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical

    to look for or collect oysters from the sea.

    to gather, dredge, or fish for oysters.

    Example

    The family has been oystering in these waters for three generations.

    Example

    Local regulations strictly limit the months during which commercial vessels are permitted to oyster in the protected bay.
Origin

From Middle English oystre, from Old English ostre, reinforced or superseded by Anglo-Norman oistre, which is from Old French oistre, uistre (compare modern French huître); both lines (Old English and Old French) from Latin ostrea, from Ancient Greek ὄστρεον (óstreon). Doublet of ostro (“a purple dye”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Last updated June 20, 2026