oldwife

noun

old·​wife ˈōl(d)-ˌwīf How to pronounce oldwife (audio)
1
: any of several marine fishes (such as an alewife, menhaden, or triggerfish)
2

Word History

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of oldwife was in 1588

Dictionary Entries Near oldwife

Cite this Entry

“Oldwife.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oldwife. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.

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