halibut

noun

hal·​i·​but ˈha-lə-bət 

 also  ˈhä-

plural halibut also halibuts

: any of several marine flatfishes (especially Hippoglossus hippoglossus of the Atlantic and H. stenolepis of the Pacific) that are widely used for food and include some of the largest bony fishes

Did you know?

Among the different kinds of fish found in the world’s oceans is a group called the flatfish. Flatfish are well named, for they have flattened bodies with both eyes on the upper side of the head. In Middle English the word for flatfish was butte. During the Middle Ages, fish was often eaten on holy days in place of meat. The most popular fish for the holy days was the largest variety of flatfish, or “butte.” Thus, this particular fish came to be called in Middle English halybutte, meaning literally “holy flatfish,” from haly, a form of holy, and butte. In modern English the spelling has been changed to halibut.

Examples of halibut in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

André Atkinson, a fishing boat captain in Barrington, Nova Scotia, one of the regions expected to take the brunt of the storm, returned early from a halibut fishing trip Saturday morning and moved his boat to a safer part of the harbor. —Jenna Russell, BostonGlobe.com, 16 Sep. 2023

In the video, an angler is seen catching a halibut, in waters near the small fishing village of Hoonah, Alaska, when a lone orca peels off from its pod and makes a beeline for his outboard motor. —Travis Hall, Field & Stream, 16 Aug. 2023

But the hands-down winner is his three-part illustration of the life phases of a halibut. —David James, Anchorage Daily News, 22 Apr. 2023

The Alaskan halibut is a favorite, and the trio of wild game (buffalo, venison, and elk) is a chance to sample local flavors. —William Curtis, Travel + Leisure, 24 Mar. 2023

Great options include mussels, scallops and chunks of firm-fleshed fish like swordfish, cod, halibut, mahi-mahi and monkfish. —Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 11 Aug. 2023

All sat for a three-course dinner featuring chicken and halibut; fresh florals and campaign cards marked with a QR code directing to a summer playlist created by Fara and Paloma lined the table. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 21 July 2023

The food — local and regional delicacies, wine tastings to match — earned a rave review from a food magazine for such offerings as halibut in a pesto crust. —Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2023

Made using flaky white fish—like cod or halibut—this lip-smackingly good dish is piled high with green cabbage slaw, pickles, and homemade tartar sauce. —Brittany Natale, Redbook, 28 July 2023

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Word History

Etymology

Middle English halybutte, from haly, holy holy + butte flatfish, from Middle Dutch or Middle Low German but; from its being eaten on holy days

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

halibut

noun

hal·​i·​but ˈhal-ə-bət 

ˈhäl-

plural halibut also halibuts

: either of two marine food fishes of the Atlantic or Pacific oceans that are the largest flatfishes reaching several hundred pounds

Etymology

Middle English halybutte, literally, "holy flatfish," from haly "holy" and butte "flatfish"; so called from the fact it was regularly eaten on holy days

Word Origin

Among the different kinds of fish found in the world's oceans is a group called the flatfish. Flatfish are well named, for they have flattened bodies with both eyes on the upper side of the head. In Middle English the word for flatfish was butte. Many of the flatfish are good to eat, and the largest of the flatfish got its name because it was popular as food. During the Middle Ages fish was often eaten on holy days in place of meat. The most popular fish for the holy days was the largest variety of flatfish, or "butte." Thus, this particular fish came to be called in Middle English halybutte, meaning literally "holy flatfish," from haly, a form of holy, and butte. In Modern English the spelling has been changed to halibut.