Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

hackleback

noun
plural -s

Definition of hackleback 

1 or less commonly hackleback sturgeon [ so called from the projecting scales on its back ] : shovelnose sturgeon

2 : an untrimmed barrel stave

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for hackleback

hackle entry 3 + back

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about hackleback

Share hackleback

Resources for hackleback

Cite Time Traveler Time Traveler! Explore the year a word first appeared

Dictionary Entries near hackleback

hackingly

hacking pocket

hackle

hackleback

hacklog

hackly

hackman

Statistics for hackleback

Look-up Popularity

Comments on hackleback

What made you want to look up hackleback? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

rebuff

to reject or criticize sharply

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Words from Greek and Roman Mythology Quiz

  • the-triumph-of-venus-by-alessandro-magnasco
  • Boreal comes from the name of the ancient Greek god of which wind?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Bee Cubed

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games