fugu

noun

fu·​gu ˈf(y)ü-(ˌ)gü 

: any of various very poisonous puffer fishes (family Tetraodontidae) that contain tetrodotoxin and that are used as food in Japan after the toxin-containing parts are removed

Illustration of fugu

Examples of fugu in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Tamale, an important trading hub in northern Ghana, is known for its fugu clothing, a type of smock with roots in the Malian and Songhai empires. —Edna Bonhomme, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2025

His design label adopts the Ghanaian tradition of weaving fabric on an heirloom, to create fugu cloth. —Essence, 20 Jan. 2025

Related article Elderly couple dies after eating poisonous pufferfish in Malaysia Chefs in Japan must train for at least two years before being allowed to take an examination to qualify to prepare fugu. —Chris Lau, CNN, 25 June 2024

Pufferfish consume poisonous bacteria Pufferfish are famous as a Japanese delicacy known as fugu. —Brian Handwerk, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Japanese

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

fugu

noun

fu·​gu ˈf(y)ü-(ˌ)gü 

: any of various very poisonous puffer fish that contain tetrodotoxin and that are used as food in Japan after the toxin-containing organs are removed