goldfish

noun

gold·​fish ˈgōl(d)-ˌfish How to pronounce goldfish (audio)
: a small usually golden-orange Asian cyprinid fish (Carassius auratus) often kept as an aquarium and pond fish

Examples of goldfish in a Sentence

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.
The record was officially awarded to both de Wolf and Blub — a partnership between human ingenuity and one oblivious but cooperative goldfish. Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 24 Mar. 2026 The system requires a bright red fish for accurate motion tracking — and Blub, an Italian goldfish, was ideal for that reason. Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Mar. 2026 At the center is a pond with goldfish and turtles surrounded by olive trees, two large palms and a tree laden with bright oranges that the friars use to make marmalade. ABC News, 19 Mar. 2026 The winning details were a bronze sculpture of a goldfish next to the television; a blooming orchid on the desk; the bowl of clementines next to a Sonos speaker on the bedside table; and, on the loveseat, a cozy wool throw blanket with a pattern that resembled that of Thai silks. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for goldfish

Word History

First Known Use

1752, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of goldfish was in 1752

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Goldfish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/goldfish. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

goldfish

noun
gold·​fish -ˌfish How to pronounce goldfish (audio)
: a small usually golden orange fish that is often kept in aquariums or ponds

More from Merriam-Webster on goldfish

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster