sculpin

noun

scul·​pin ˈskəl-pən 

plural sculpins also sculpin

1

: any of a superfamily (Cottoidea) of spiny large-headed usually bottom-dwelling often scaleless bony fishes with large fanlike pectoral fins

2

: a scorpion fish (Scorpaena guttata) of the southern California coast caught for food and sport

Illustration of sculpin

• sculpin 1

Examples of sculpin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

First to show symptoms are the trout, sculpin and other fish swimming in this section of the cold-water stream. — Brandon Loomis, AZCentral.com, 15 Dec. 2025

The sculpin hat, or Wéix’ s’áaxw in Tlingit, had been at the museum since the 1880s. — Rachel Parsons, Scientific American, 29 June 2022

Take respectful photos and use your Pocket Guide to identify common species like tidepool sculpin or turban snails. — Lillie Mulligan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Dec. 2025

Several green and hawksbill turtles are darting in and out of a vibrant coral cliff with seemingly millions of species, from sculpins to sun coral and everything in between. — Scott Bay, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1672, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

sculpin

noun

scul·​pin ˈskəl-pən 

plural sculpins also sculpin

1

: any of numerous spiny large-headed usually scaleless fishes with fanlike fins

2

: a fish of the southern California coast that has poisonous spines on the fin on the back and is caught for food and sport