handfish

1 of 2

noun

: a fish of the family Brachionichthyidae

handfish

2 of 2

intransitive verb

: to catch fish with the hands sometimes with bait as a lure : guddle

Word History

Etymology

Noun

hand entry 1 + fish (noun); from the pectoral fins that resemble hands

Intransitive verb

hand entry 1 + fish (verb)

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!

Dictionary Entries Near handfish

Cite this Entry

“Handfish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handfish. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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