sturgeon

noun

stur·​geon ˈstər-jən How to pronounce sturgeon (audio)
: any of a family (Acipenseridae) of usually large elongate anadromous or freshwater bony fishes which are widely distributed in the north temperate zone and whose roe is made into caviar

Examples of sturgeon 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.
Poachers will transport a dead sturgeon for miles uncooled, hiding caviar in unsanitary conditions. Kylie Williams, Miami Herald, 29 June 2025 Spotting a sturgeon jump out of the water was thus like glimpsing a living fossil. Benjamin Cassidy, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 May 2025 Parrish takes corporate and individual clients, baptizing them in all things sturgeon. Chris Dorsey, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025 The Bee previously reported that the caviar company sells its sturgeon meat to wholesale and area seafood vendors to reduce waste. Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for sturgeon

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French estourgeoun, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English styria sturgeon

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sturgeon was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sturgeon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sturgeon. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

sturgeon

noun
stur·​geon ˈstər-jən How to pronounce sturgeon (audio)
: any of various usually large long-bodied fishes having a thick skin covered with rows of bony plates that are valued especially for their eggs which are made into caviar

More from Merriam-Webster on sturgeon

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!