John Dory

noun

John Do·​ry ˈjän-ˈdȯr-ē How to pronounce John Dory (audio)
plural John Dories
: a widely distributed marine food fish (Zeus faber of the family Zeidae) that is yellow to olive in color with a dark spot on each side and has an oval compressed body and long dorsal spines

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Order a platter or oysters from Brittany and octopus salad with dill to start, and follow with John Dory fish with fava beans or spiny lobster linguine. Rooksana Hossenally, Forbes, 12 Aug. 2022 Cala Bonita, perched in a rocky cove and more a destination for its whole grilled John Dory than its quaint beach, is worth trying to book ahead or begging for a table. CNN, 18 Aug. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'John Dory.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

earlier dory, from Middle English dorre, from Anglo-French doree, literally, gilded one

First Known Use

1729, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of John Dory was in 1729

Dictionary Entries Near John Dory

Cite this Entry

“John Dory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/John%20Dory. Accessed 6 Jun. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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