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

Lay in the halibut and any other thick pieces of fish. —Georgeanne Brennan, Mercury News, 3 Dec. 2025

Over 30 years into its run, Daniel is still embracing the sauce work and cooking techniques that harken back to the chef’s upbringing in Lyon, with dishes like halibut with sauce Nantua and crawfish. —Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 19 Nov. 2025

The second course comes with a choice between turkey, Alaskan halibut, New York strip steak and a pork-pumpkin pasta dish, while the dessert course is a choice of pumpkin mascarpone tart or a caramel apple cake. —Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 15 Nov. 2025

Dishes like wild halibut with Jimmy Nardello peppers and spaghetti with squash and spinach feel nourishing and comforting, but never boring. —Jocelyn Silver, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2025

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.