lungfish

noun

lung·​fish ˈləŋ-ˌfish 

: any of an order (Dipnoi) of bony fishes that breathe by a modified swim bladder as well as gills

Illustration of lungfish

Examples of lungfish in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This feat has been observed in a wide variety of species – ranging from the African lungfish to armored catfish. — Abhishek Bhardwaj, Interesting Engineering, 2 June 2026

The South American lungfish, meanwhile, has much weaker controls. — Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Aug. 2024

The gene is normally active in a specific location in the developing limb, as well as the fin of the Australian lungfish. — John Timmer, Ars Technica, 14 Aug. 2024

Amazingly, lungfish can remain in estivation for multiple years if water levels don’t return. — Scott Travers, Forbes, 15 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for lungfish

• bluefish
• catfish
• codfish
• crawfish
• dogfish
• finfish
• flatfish
• goldfish
• groundfish
• kingfish
• offish
• redfish

Kids Definition

lungfish

noun

lung·​fish ˈləŋ-ˌfish 

: any of various fishes that breathe with structures resembling lungs as well as with gills