Definition of halibut
halibut
alsohalibuts
: 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
Explore Merriam-Webster
Recent Examples of halibut from the Web
-
Expect everything from whole mackerel to live Santa Barbara box crab to giant portions of halibut.
-
The research, which focused on charter fishing spots around Homer and Sitka, found that moving to different areas also allowed some boats to target salmon, rockfish and lingcod in addition to halibut.
-
More and more orcas are being spotted in the Bering Sea, and now the killer whales appear to be targeting their lines, stripping clean their hooks and stealing black cod and halibut from specific boats.
-
Popular fare includes the charcuterie and cheese tray, flatbreads, grass fed beef burgers, and the catch of the day, which recently was halibut.
-
Buttery halibut received a paella-like treatment with an accompanying pile of saffron jasmine rice, clams and scallops along with a chorizo vinaigrette.
-
Happy Hooker and California Dawn whacked the halibut with a keeper per person plus some bass.
-
Add halibut filets and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
-
Bottomfish/halibut -- Check the ocean before planning to cross the bar for bottomfish or the June 1 opening of the nearshore halibut season along the central Oregon Coast (Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain). ??
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'halibut.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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.
Origin and Etymology of halibut
Middle English halybutte, from haly, holy holy + butte flatfish, from Middle Dutch or Middle Low German but; from its being eaten on holy days
HALIBUT Defined for English Language Learners
halibut
playDefinition of halibut for English Language Learners
-
: a large fish of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans that is often eaten as food
HALIBUT Defined for Kids
halibut
playDefinition of halibut for Students
halibut
orhalibuts
: a very large saltwater flatfish often used for food
Learn More about halibut
-
Spanish Central: Translation of halibut Nglish: Translation of halibut for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about halibut
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up halibut? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!