English Reference

Word

scallop

Phoneticsscal·lop, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈskæɫəp/

UK/skˈæləp/

Countable noun

Definition

n. a type of shellfish that looks like a fan and lives in the sea. It is a popular seafood choice that people often cook with butter or garlic.

n. a marine bivalve mollusk with a fan-shaped shell, belonging to the family Pectinidae. Often used as a culinary ingredient, particularly in Mediterranean and French cuisine.

Examples

“I love eating grilled scallops with a squeeze of lemon.”

“The chef sautéed the fresh scallops in olive oil until they were golden brown and slightly caramelized.”

Examples

simple

“I love eating grilled scallops with a squeeze of lemon.”

contextual

“The chef sautéed the fresh scallops in olive oil until they were golden brown and slightly caramelized.”

Etymology

From Old French escalope (“shell”). Doublet of escalope. Related to scale and shell.

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

Domain

Cooking

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Occasional
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference