sheepshead

noun

sheeps·​head ˈshēps-ˌhed 

1

: a marine bony fish (Archosargus probatocephalus of the family Sparidae) of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the U.S. that has broad front teeth and is used for food

2

: freshwater drum

3

: a largely red or rose-colored wrasse (Semicossyphus pulcher) of the California coast

Examples of sheepshead in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For more than a quarter century, Glendale has claimed to serve as home to the largest sheepshead tournament in the world; a nurse from Kewaskum won in 2024. —Jr Radcliffe, Journal Sentinel, 23 May 2024

Both casual and seasoned snorkelers can observe snook, snapper, sheepshead, nurse sharks, red sponges, and more marine life. —Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 24 June 2024

Like Milwaukee, sheepshead’s roots are deeply German — the game is Schakopf in its native country, and the unofficial history involves disgruntled peasants inventing the game that gave kings a lower ranking. —Jr Radcliffe, Journal Sentinel, 23 May 2024

Sea trout are feeding in two to five feet of water over grass flats and sheepsheads are starting to show up in the back bays and around rocky structure. —Alan Sherman, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1643, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

sheepshead

noun

sheeps·​head ˈshēps-ˌhed 

: any of several fishes

especially : a food fish of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the U.S. with broad front teeth