cockle
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈkɒkəl/
KK: /ˈkɑkəl/
noun
Definition
A type of shellfish that has a rounded or heart-shaped shell, often found in sandy areas and used in cooking.
Example
We enjoyed a delicious dish made with cockles at the seafood restaurant.
Conversation
Have you ever tried cooking with cockle shells?
No, I haven't, but I've seen them at the market.
They can add a nice touch to seafood dishes, you know?
That sounds interesting; I might give it a shot next time!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
mollusk
bivalve
shell
Antonyms
smoothness
flatness
uniformity
transitive verb
Definition
To become or make something wrinkled or puckered.
Example
The fabric will cockle if it is not ironed properly.
Tense Forms
Past: cockled
Past Participle: cockled
Conversation
Did you see how the sun cockle the leaves on the trees?
Yeah, it really made them look unique and interesting.
I love how nature can cockle things in such a beautiful way.
Root Explanation
Cockle → The word 'cockle' originates from Old English 'coccel', meaning a type of shellfish or small mollusk. It refers specifically to a bivalve mollusk found in sandy shores.
Memory Tip
Think of the Old English word 'coccel' for a small shellfish — this helps you remember that 'cockle' refers to a type of shellfish.
Visually Confused Words
cocle
chockler
cackle
earcockle
cole
coke
clocklike
clockless