fishery

noun

fish·​ery ˈfi-shə-rē 

plural fisheries

1

: the occupation, industry, or season of taking fish or other sea animals (such as sponges, shrimp, or seals) : fishing

2

: a place for catching fish or taking other sea animals

3

: a fishing establishment

also : its fishermen

4

: the legal right to take fish at a particular place or in particular waters

5

: the technology of fishery

—usually used in plural

Examples of fishery in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

It was verified by state DNR fisheries biologist Stephen Floyd, who certified her catch as the new pumpkinseed record. — Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 6 Aug. 2026

Conservation groups have long made the case that lobster and crab fisheries are both dangerous to the whales, and government agencies have acknowledged that entanglement in fishing gear is a critical threat to the giant animals. — ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026

The bay has long been known for its oyster fishery, once supplying more than 90% of Florida’s oysters and 10% of the oysters sold nationally. — Jim Turner, Miami Herald, 5 Aug. 2026

While many inland striper fisheries are managed via annual stocking of fingerlings, Texoma stands out because its stripers are reproducing naturally. — Ken Perrotte, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

fishery

noun

fish·​ery ˈfish-(ə-)rē 

plural fisheries

1

: the activity or business of fishing

2

: a place or establishment for catching fish