fishery

noun

fish·​ery ˈfi-shə-rē 

plural fisheries

1

: the occupation, industry, or season of taking fish or other sea animals (such as sponges, shrimp, or seals) : fishing

2

: a place for catching fish or taking other sea animals

3

: a fishing establishment

also : its fishermen

4

: the legal right to take fish at a particular place or in particular waters

5

: the technology of fishery

—usually used in plural

Examples of fishery in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Marine microbes such as bacteria and phytoplankton form the foundation of ocean food webs, providing sustenance for creatures ranging from zooplankton to whales and supporting fisheries that feed billions of people. —Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026

His minister of oceans and fisheries resigned after being accused of receiving cash and luxury watches from a Church official. —E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026

Yet the same fisheries that drive economic value also generate high levels of bycatch, entangling marine mammals, seabirds, sea turtles, and sharks in their operations. —Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026

Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono said at a news conference late Saturday that three employees of his ministry were aboard the flight as part of an airborne maritime surveillance mission supporting Indonesia’s fisheries management operations. —Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

fishery

noun

fish·​ery ˈfish-(ə-)rē 

plural fisheries

1

: the activity or business of fishing

2

: a place or establishment for catching fish