red mullet

noun

: goatfish
especially : either of two red or reddish food fishes (Mullus surmuletus and M. barbatus) of the Mediterranean Sea and the warmer Atlantic coasts of Europe and northern Africa that are noted for their ability to change color

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Mediterranean fisheries are valued at over $3.4 billion, a 2022 IPCC report said, with more than 76,000 fishing vessels trawling the cerulean waters for anchovy, bluefin tuna, and red mullet in 2019. Fox News, 15 Nov. 2022 Martinelli’s menu features spaghetti with a saffron red mullet sauce, and a sumptuous egg and pecorino cheese foam, with crunchy celery and bottarga, that suggests El Bulli by way of a Tuscan farm. Jackie Cooperman, Bon Appétit, 27 July 2022 Expect classics such as fish tacos featuring the day’s local catch and empanadas along with creations spotlighting fish such as red mullet, octopus, prawns and sea bass. Laurie Werner, Forbes, 15 July 2022 Rock started photographing Bowie as the artist was forming his Ziggy Stardust persona: bright red mullet, with blood-red rouge and eye shadow and glittery gold lipstick. Randall Roberts, Los Angeles Times, 19 Nov. 2021 In the louche bar and restaurant, the menu nods at the Languedoc with dishes like gardiane, or bull’s meat stew, and red mullet with pesto sauce. Travel + Leisure Staff, Travel + Leisure, 19 Feb. 2020 Kathi is a taskmaster and her style hasn’t changed over the years, including her fiery, red mullet. Gerrad Hall, EW.com, 10 July 2019 The night drew on, and the courses kept coming, each fancier than the next—red mullet with Provence artichokes and argan oil, veal fillet mignon with a thin tian tart. Elise Taylor, Vogue, 30 July 2018 Usually, this is a placid spot where Mr. Raftis fishes for red mullet and snapper. Patrick Kingsley, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2018 See More

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

Word History

First Known Use

1761, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of red mullet was in 1761

Dictionary Entries Near red mullet

Cite this Entry

“Red mullet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/red%20mullet. Accessed 21 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

red mullet

noun
: either of two red or reddish goatfishes of warm seas that are used as food
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