Meaning & Definition of Oyster in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: A marine mollusk with a rough shell that is usually found buried in sand or mud.

  Example Sentence: The fishermen harvested oysters from the bay.

• Definition: Edible mollusks, especially those that produce pearls.

  Example Sentence: She ordered a dozen oysters on the half shell.

• Definition: A person who is shy or reserved.

  Example Sentence: Don't be such an oyster; come out of your shell!

Etymology

Origin: Middle English 'oistre', from Old French 'oistre', from Latin 'ostrea', from Greek 'ostreon'.

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• the world is your oyster: You are free to do anything you want and go anywhere you want in life.

Translations

• Spanish: ostra

• French: huître

• German: Auster

• Russian: устрица

Related Words

• pearl: A hard, round object produced within the soft tissue of a living mollusk.

• shellfish: Aquatic animals with a shell, including crustaceans and mollusks.

• bivalve: A type of mollusk that has two shells hinged together.

Slang Meanings of oyster

• Meaning: To be reserved or shy in social situations.

  Example Sentence: Stop being such an oyster and join the party!