green around the gills

phrase

: pale or sickly in appearance

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of green around the gills was in 1883

Rhymes for green around the gills

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Browse Nearby Words

green apple aphid
green around the gills
green arrow arum
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Cite this Entry

“Green around the gills.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/green%20around%20the%20gills. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Definition revised
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