fugu

noun

fu·​gu ˈf(y)ü-(ˌ)gü How to pronounce fugu (audio)
: 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

Illustration of fugu

Examples of fugu in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web 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 Despite the danger and risks, fugu has grown in popularity especially among gourmets and thrill seekers and is now also eaten countries outside Japan – at times, unregulated. Heather Chen, CNN, 10 Apr. 2023 Under Japanese law, fugu chefs must undergo extensive apprenticeships of up to three years before they are licensed and allowed to handle and prepare the fish for food. Heather Chen, CNN, 10 Apr. 2023 See all Example Sentences for fugu 

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

Japanese

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fugu was in 1909

Dictionary Entries Near fugu

Cite this Entry

“Fugu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fugu. Accessed 14 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

fugu

noun
fu·​gu ˈf(y)ü-(ˌ)gü How to pronounce fugu (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on fugu

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