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

Below Glen Canyon Dam, rainbow trout are struggling to survive in a warmer Colorado River, which has allowed non-native bass to breed. — Brandon Loomis, AZCentral.com, 8 Sep. 2026

Fly-fishers will find an extensive stretch of Gold Medal Water (a designation for quality and trout density) in Colorado, with access to browns, brookies, cutthroats, and rainbow trout. — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 20 Aug. 2026

Families picnic along the shore, and dogs hang out next to owners fishing for rainbow trout. — Jess Hoffert, Midwest Living, 5 Aug. 2026

Salmon, rainbow trout, and tuna offer similar heart-protective nutrients with a milder flavor. — Lindsey Desoto, HEALTH, 5 Aug. 2026

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