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minnow

noun min·now \ ˈmi-(ˌ)nō \
Updated on: 18 Apr 2018
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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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Recent Examples of minnow from the Web

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

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

  1. 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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