minnow

noun min·now \ ˈmi-(ˌ)nō \

|Updated on: 7 Aug 2018

Definition of minnow

plural minnows also minnow

1 a : a small cyprinid, killifish, or topminnow

b : any of various small fish that are less than a designated size and are not game fish

2 : a live or artificial minnow used as bait

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See minnow defined for kids

Recent Examples of minnow from the Web

So much for the threat posed by Asia, which despite its vastness and riches remains a soccer minnow.

— ishaan tharoor, Washington Post, "The World Cup is a victory for the immigrant dream," 12 July 2018
The former, one of two goalkeeping prodigy's at Udinese, has spent the last two years with Italian minnows SPAL 2013.

— SI.com, "Former Watford Loanee Set for Napoli Medical as Italian Giants Close on Double Signing," 2 July 2018
Try a 4-weight fly rod setup with clouser minnows also.

— mark blythe, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Central Florida fishing forecast: June 29," 27 June 2018
In Lake Michigan, creatures dining on midges include alewives, minnows and baby perch, salmon and trout.

— meg jones, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Those clouds of midges really do have a purpose, so close your mouth. Literally.," 2 May 2018
Upsets and minnows may animate the party phase—the three-week, 48-match group stage—but at the business of the tournament, there is nothing but fierce competence.

— joshua robinson, WSJ, "France Advances to the World Cup Final," 10 July 2018
Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash Buy minnows from a Wisconsin bait dealer.

— Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "'Landing Blitz' strives to reduce spread of aquatic invasive species," 18 June 2018
The musical centered around Nugget and Fang, a minnow and shark, respectively.

— denise coffey, Courant Community, "Ashford, Eastford Students Delighted With "Nugget And Fang" Production," 12 June 2018
France entered the World Cup as a popular pick to lift the trophy in July, but Les Bleus barely eked out a 2-1 win over group minnow Australia, with both goals coming courtesy of modern technology.

— nick schwartz, For The Win, "Technology saved France against Australia," 16 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'minnow.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of minnow

Middle English menawe; akin to Old English myne minnow, Old High German munewa, a kind of fish

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

MINNOW Defined for English Language Learners

minnow

noun

Definition of minnow for English Language Learners

: a very small fish that is often used as bait to catch larger fish

MINNOW Defined for Kids

minnow

noun min·now \ ˈmi-nō \

Definition of minnow for Students

1 : a small freshwater fish (as a shiner) related to the carp

2 : a fish that looks like a true minnow

Learn More about minnow

See words that rhyme with minnow Spanish Central: Translation of minnow Nglish: Translation of minnow for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about minnow

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minnow

Definition of minnow

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Origin and Etymology of minnow

MINNOW Defined for English Language Learners

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Definition of minnow for English Language Learners

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minnow

Definition of minnow for Students

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