fishier; fishiest
1
: of or resembling fish especially in taste or odor
2
: creating doubt or suspicion : questionable

Examples of fishy in a Sentence

There's something fishy about that guy. something's fishy about the way he's acting
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.
These assertions are self-evident but fishy. Harmon Siegel, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2025 Harry the catfish popped to the surface first, his fishy breath curling the grass along the bank. Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025 Here is a small sample of what those fans were saying on X. This sounds fishy to me. Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 16 Sep. 2025 Something seems fishy about this encounter to Emily and Gretchen. Peter Larsen, Oc Register, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fishy

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fishy was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Fishy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fishy. Accessed 3 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

fishy

adjective
fishier; fishiest
1
: of, relating to, or resembling fish
a fishy odor
2
: arousing doubt or suspicion : questionable
the story sounds fishy to me

More from Merriam-Webster on fishy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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