muskellunge

noun mus·kel·lunge \ ˈməs-kə-ˌlənj \

|Updated on: 29 Apr 2018

Definition of muskellunge

plural muskellunge

: a large North American pike (Esox masquinongy) that has dark markings, may weigh over 60 pounds (27 kilograms), and is a valuable sport fish

See muskellunge defined for kids

Recent Examples of muskellunge from the Web

In addition to the walleye figures, the tribes' declared intentions to harvest 1,521 muskellunge in 2018.

— paul a. smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Smith: A decrease in walleye spearing declarations follows a year of record numbers," 25 Apr. 2018
Because of the predominantly catch-and-release nature of muskellunge fisheries, determination of vital statistics such as annual survival and maximum growth potential are critical to managing them, according to the agency.

— paul a. smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Smith: Conference provides snapshot of Midwest fish and wildlife issues," 3 Feb. 2018
Summer and fall are excellent times to fish the rivers, Donofrio said, and anglers have the chance to catch walleyes, northern pike and muskellunge while trying for smallmouth.

— paul a. smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Smith: Kayaks are a perfect vessel to reach Oconto River smallmouth," 16 Sep. 2017
HAYWARD - Hayward is home to a larger-than-life muskellunge at the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame.

— paul a. smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Smith: Wisconsin musky tale gives new meaning to CPR," 18 Oct. 2017
The bay has also been the focus of the DNR's restoration efforts for the Great Lakes spotted muskellunge.

— paul a. smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Smith: Green Bay waters worthy of a title, too," 24 June 2017
Outdoors Record muskie caughtin upper Potomac River The Maryland Department of Natural Resources confirmed that a Washington County woman has set a muskellunge (muskie) nontidal state fishing record.

— baltimoresun.com, "Digest (May 10): Motion-trained Dancing Rags leads 31 nominated for Black-Eyed Susan at Pimlico," 11 May 2017
The bay is famed for its multi-species fishery, including walleye, smallmouth bass, muskellunge, northern pike, freshwater drum, channel catfish, white bass, yellow perch and lake whitefish.

— paul a. smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Smith: Green Bay waters worthy of a title, too," 24 June 2017
For anglers plying the upper Niagara and Lake Erie, the predominant sportfish are smallmouth bass, walleye and muskellunge.

— gary garth, USA TODAY, "Dream fishing destinations: New York’s Niagara River," 30 May 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of muskellunge

alteration of Canadian French maskinongé, from Ojibwa ma·skino·še·

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1777

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Learn More about muskellunge

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about muskellunge

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up muskellunge? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

muskellunge

Definition of muskellunge

Recent Examples of muskellunge from the Web

Origin and Etymology of muskellunge

Learn More about muskellunge

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

notorious

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

'Creep': A Skin-Crawling History

Centuries and How to Refer to Them

If the Shoe Fits

On the Disruption of 'Disrupt'

Ask the Editors

Ghost Word

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

Literally

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

Word Games

Words for Summer: A Quiz

Name More Food!

Spell It

Word Winder's CrossWinder

'Creep': A Skin-Crawling History

Words for Summer: A Quiz

If the Shoe Fits

Trending: 'Asylum' Trends as Policies Draw Attention

Ghost Word

muskellunge

Definition of muskellunge

Recent Examples of muskellunge from the Web

Origin and Etymology of muskellunge

Learn More about muskellunge

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

'Creep': A Skin-Crawling History

Words for Summer: A Quiz

If the Shoe Fits

Trending: 'Asylum' Trends as Policies Draw Attention

Ghost Word