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cutthroat trout

noun

: a large spotted trout (Oncorhynchus clarki synonym Salmo clarki) chiefly of northwestern North America that has reddish streaks on the integument of the lower jaw

called also cutthroat

Illustration of cutthroat trout

Illustration of cutthroat trout

Examples of cutthroat trout 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.
Yakima River Canyon Stretching 27 miles between Ellensburg and Yakima, the Yakima River holds the coveted title of a Blue Ribbon river, recognized for its exceptional water quality and prime fishing, especially for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and smallmouth bass. Vivian Chung, Travel + Leisure, 23 Nov. 2025 Our target species was the native westslope cutthroat trout—not a particularly large fish as trout go, but absolutely wild and beautiful. Will Rice, Outside, 13 Nov. 2025 That’s roughly 40 rainbow, brown, or cutthroat trout per angler on a boat floating a dozen miles of river. Christine Peterson, Outdoor Life, 30 Oct. 2025 The Cutthroat 75 — named after cutthroat trout, Idaho’s official state fish — is a twist on a French 75 made with apple spirits, hard cider, lemon juice and gin botanicals. Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cutthroat trout

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1891, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cutthroat trout was circa 1891

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Cite this Entry

“Cutthroat trout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cutthroat%20trout. Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.

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