lionfish

noun

li·​on·​fish ˈlī-ən-ˌfish How to pronounce lionfish (audio)
: any of several scorpaenid fishes (genus Pterois) of the Indian Ocean and the tropical Pacific that are brilliantly striped and barred with elongated fins and venomous dorsal spines

Examples of lionfish in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Castaway features a sushi roll with lionfish — the restaurant’s effort to help rid the Keys of the invasive species. Marnie Hunter, CNN Money, 26 Apr. 2025 Featuring the lionfish leather purveyor’s Silverfin material, the collection consists of the Traditions Belt and Rituals Necklace. Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2019 Off the coast of Kefalonia, there’s an underwater cave where a school of fearsome lionfish holds court. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 9 June 2025 With Florida under attack by invasive species, from Burmese python to lionfish, the UF researchers hope that their results could help authorities direct resources to fighting the agama — and protecting the anoles. Denise Hruby, Orlando Sentinel, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lionfish

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lionfish was in 1848

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Cite this Entry

“Lionfish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lionfish. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

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