pectoral fin

noun

: either of the fins of a fish that correspond to the forelimbs of a quadruped

Examples of pectoral fin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

First, an orca will target the pectoral fins, then slash the sunfish across its body to remove the viscera. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 23 July 2026

Brown and yellow bullheads have the rear edge of their pectoral fin spine serrated with sharp tooth-like projections. — Ken Perrotte, Outdoor Life, 4 June 2026

By midmorning, rescuers began moving a fire hose under the whale’s belly and around his pectoral fins. — Jessica Camille Aguirre, New Yorker, 2 May 2026

Asian swamp eels have no pectoral fins. — Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1715, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pectoral fin

• asparagine
• akin
• auxin
• buckskin
• chagrin
• crankpin
• deerskin
• foreskin
• fuchsin
• herein
• kingpin
• linchpin

Kids Definition

pectoral fin

noun

: either of a pair of fins of a fish that correspond to the front limbs of a four-footed animal compare pelvic fin