fish story

noun

: an extravagant or incredible story

Example Sentences

He told a ridiculous fish story about a swarm of giant mosquitoes.
Recent Examples on the Web How's this for a big fish story. Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 30 Apr. 2021 Otherwise, his fish story might have turned out even stranger. Tree Meinch, Discover Magazine, 27 Aug. 2020 But a cellphone video filmed during Hurricane Ian’s assault on southwest Florida isn’t just another fish story. From Usa Today Network And Wire Reports, USA TODAY, 3 Oct. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fish story.' 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

from the traditional exaggeration by fishermen of the size of fish almost caught

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fish story was in 1819

Dictionary Entries Near fish story

Cite this Entry

“Fish story.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fish%20story. Accessed 4 Jun. 2023.

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