shad

noun

plural shad
: any of several fishes (especially genus Alosa) of the shad family that have a relatively deep body and are anadromous and that include some important food fishes of Europe and North America

Examples of shad in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the waning days of winter, a particular species of fish ill-suited for the Minnesota cold — the gizzard shad — is prone toward going belly-up on the Mississippi in the southern part of the state. Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 14 Mar. 2025 Video But thanks to state and federal efforts, the water quality has been greatly improved, to the benefit of all, including the shad. Elisabeth Vincentelli, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025 In the end, nothing more exciting than some shad and small croaker hit the planks that day, according to Jennette’s. Alice Jones Webb, Outdoor Life, 8 Apr. 2025 During the winter, even a temporary shutdown of a warm water source can be enough to kill off smaller shad. Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shad

Word History

Etymology

Middle English *shad, from Old English sceadd

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shad was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shad.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shad. Accessed 11 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

shad

noun
plural shad
: any of several sea fishes that are related to the herrings, swim up rivers to lay or fertilize eggs, and include important food fishes

More from Merriam-Webster on shad

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