sheepshead

noun

sheeps·​head ˈshēps-ˌhed How to pronounce sheepshead (audio)
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
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Redfish, trout, and sheepshead are plentiful, and charters can be arranged through any number of local marinas. Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 5 July 2025 Delta fishermen eventually learned to smell redfish from a hundred yards off, and to distinguish the clouds of mud kicked up by their tails from those made by mullet or sheepshead. Boyce Upholt, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 June 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for sheepshead

Word History

First Known Use

1643, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sheepshead was in 1643

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sheepshead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sheepshead. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

sheepshead

noun
sheeps·​head ˈshēps-ˌhed How to pronounce sheepshead (audio)
: any of several fishes
especially : a food fish of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the U.S. with broad front teeth

More from Merriam-Webster on sheepshead

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!