fish ladder

noun

: a series of pools arranged like steps by which fish can pass over a dam in going upstream

Examples of fish ladder 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.
Currently, fish are unable to pass the dam due to improper hydropower operations and an ineffective fish ladder installed in 1999, Budris said. Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 26 June 2025 The new fishway would function in place of a fish ladder, allowing all species to swim around the structure and reach a stretch of the river that runs more than 10 miles before hitting Englebright Dam. Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 28 Apr. 2025 This exemption to the Marine Mammal Protection Act targets sea lions that continually hang around and gorge themselves near the fish ladders designed to help salmon make their way around dams and other obstacles. Cheryl Katz, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 May 2025 The dam’s current fish ladder limits which species can jump over the dam. Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fish ladder

Word History

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fish ladder was in 1864

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Cite this Entry

“Fish ladder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fish%20ladder. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

fish ladder

noun
: an arrangement of pools by which fish can pass around a dam

More from Merriam-Webster on fish ladder

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