Langimage
English

cockle

|cock-le|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˈkɑːkəl/

🇬🇧

/ˈkɒkəl/

small shellfish or wrinkle

Etymology
Etymology Information

'cockle' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'cokel', where 'cokel' referred to a type of shellfish.

Historical Evolution

'cokel' changed from Old French word 'coquille' and eventually became the modern English word 'cockle'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'a type of shellfish', but over time it evolved to also mean 'a wrinkle or pucker'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a small, edible, marine bivalve mollusk with a rounded shell.

The fisherman collected cockles from the shore.

Synonyms

Noun 2

a wrinkle or pucker, especially in fabric.

The dress had a cockle in the hem.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/06/18 13:43