# scallop

/ˈskæɫəp/ (US) · /skˈæləp/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/scallop
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.