lionfish

noun

li·​on·​fish ˈlī-ən-ˌfish How to pronounce lionfish (audio)
: any of several scorpaenid fishes (genus Pterois) of the Indian Ocean and the tropical Pacific that are brilliantly striped and barred with elongated fins and venomous dorsal spines

Examples of lionfish in a Sentence

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Off the coast of Kefalonia, there’s an underwater cave where a school of fearsome lionfish holds court. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 9 June 2025 With Florida under attack by invasive species, from Burmese python to lionfish, the UF researchers hope that their results could help authorities direct resources to fighting the agama — and protecting the anoles. Denise Hruby, Orlando Sentinel, 6 Mar. 2025 With Florida under attack by invasive species, from Burmese python to lionfish, the UF researchers hope that their results could help authorities direct resources to fighting the agama – and protecting the anoles. Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2025 At Longitude, the resort’s main restaurant, guests can enjoy a sprawling breakfast buffet—ask the pancake chef to create a pancake in the shape of a favorite marine creature, even the notoriously tricky lionfish. Kaila Yu, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lionfish

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lionfish was in 1848

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Cite this Entry

“Lionfish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lionfish. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.

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