wolffish

noun

wolf·​fish ˈwu̇lf-ˌfish How to pronounce wolffish (audio)
: any of several large marine bony fishes (genus Anarhichas of the family Anarhicadidae) of cold northern waters having strong canine teeth in the front of the jaws and molar teeth on the sides and that feed chiefly on shellfish, starfish, and sea urchins

Illustration of wolffish

Illustration of wolffish

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Niceland Seafoods, a company that specializes in Icelandic imports, sold out of a shipment of wolffish (it’s kind of like catfish) in a Denver supermarket in four days. Popular Science, 23 Feb. 2021

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

Word History

First Known Use

1569, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wolffish was in 1569

Dictionary Entries Near wolffish

Cite this Entry

“Wolffish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wolffish. Accessed 28 Mar. 2023.

More from Merriam-Webster on wolffish

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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


Challenging Standardized Test Words, Vol. 2

  • a pencil broken in half on top of a test answer sheet
  • The business’s new computer system proved not to be a panacea.
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY