rainbow trout

noun

: a large stout-bodied salmonid fish (Oncorhynchus mykiss synonym Salmo gairdneri) of western North America that is related to the Pacific salmon and is typically greenish above and white on the belly with a pink, red, or lavender stripe along each side of the body and with profuse black dots compare steelhead

Illustration of rainbow trout

Examples of rainbow trout in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Each fall, a unique prize awaits in its Black Creek currents; the creek is one of only a handful of spots in the state where fly-fisherman can cast for rainbow trout. —Jennifer Stewart Kornegay, Southern Living, 4 Nov. 2025

Many stretches of the Madison River, for example, are catch-and-release only for rainbow trout (except for anglers under 14 years, who can keep one of any size). —Christine Peterson, Outdoor Life, 30 Oct. 2025

New dishes at the tavern include seafood platters, Colorado rainbow trout, yellowfish tuna tartare and a 1-pound lobster roll for $46. —Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 8 Oct. 2025

There’s also the sheer abundance of rainbow trout and salmon, among other fish. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 27 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for rainbow trout

• roundabout
• runabout
• sauerkraut
• thereabout
• turnabout
• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout

Kids Definition

rainbow trout

noun

: a large trout native to western North America that usually has red or pink stripes with black dots on its sides compare steelhead