smallmouth bass

noun

small·​mouth bass ˈsmȯl-ˌmau̇th- How to pronounce smallmouth bass (audio)
: a black bass (Micropterus dolomieu) of clear rivers and lakes that is bronzy-green above and lighter below and has the vertex of the angle of the jaw falling below the eye

called also smallmouth, smallmouth black bass

Illustration of smallmouth bass

Illustration of smallmouth bass

Examples of smallmouth bass in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The association said the releases are not a sustainable solution to prevent smallmouth bass from reproducing and threaten a critical fund used to operate, maintain and invest in hydropower and transmission facilities. Dorany Pineda, Fortune, 27 May 2026 The association said the releases are not a sustainable solution to prevent smallmouth bass from reproducing and threaten a critical fund used to operate, maintain and invest in hydropower and transmission facilities. ABC News, 26 May 2026 Fishing enthusiasts will find plenty to love, too, as Torch Lake is home to a wide variety of species, including lake trout, smallmouth bass, pike, whitefish, and yellow perch. Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 21 May 2026 Fish native to the Jackson River (which feeds into the dam) like smallmouth bass, rock bass, and chain pickerel can also be caught in the lake. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 16 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for smallmouth bass

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of smallmouth bass was in 1880

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Cite this Entry

“Smallmouth bass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smallmouth%20bass. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

smallmouth bass

noun
small·​mouth bass ˌsmȯl-ˌmau̇th- How to pronounce smallmouth bass (audio)
: a black bass that lives in clear rivers and lakes and is bronze green above and lighter below

called also smallmouth black bass

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