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Fish Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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fish

[fɪʃ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

seafood

A limbless cold-blooded vertebrate animal with gills and fins living wholly in water.

Synonyms

aquatic creature, marine animal, seafood.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fish

Commonly used in everyday language to refer to the animal, can be used in a variety of contexts including cooking, fishing, and biology.

  • I caught a fish at the lake today.
  • We had grilled fish for dinner.
seafood

Used specifically in the context of food, referring to edible sea creatures, including fish, shellfish, and other marine animals.

  • I love eating seafood, especially shrimp and crab.
  • Our favorite restaurant specializes in fresh seafood dishes.
marine animal

Typically used in discussions about ocean-dwelling creatures in a scientific, conservation, or educational context. It's broader and includes mammals like dolphins and whales.

  • Marine animals are greatly affected by ocean pollution.
  • Whales and dolphins are fascinating marine animals.
aquatic creature

Often used in scientific or educational contexts when referencing animals that live in water in a more general sense, not limited to just fish.

  • The study focused on various aquatic creatures of the deep sea.
  • An octopus is an interesting aquatic creature.

Examples of usage

  • Many people enjoy eating fish as a source of protein.
  • Salmon is a popular type of fish.
  • The fish in the aquarium were brightly colored.
  • She ordered fish and chips for lunch.
  • The fisherman was proud of his catch.
Context #2 | Verb

to try to catch fish

To attempt to catch fish, either as a recreational activity or for commercial purposes.

Synonyms

angling, netting, trawling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fish

General term for catching or attempting to catch fish. Can be used in both casual and professional contexts.

  • I love to fish at the lake on weekends.
  • They fish commercially in the ocean.
angling

Refers specifically to the recreational activity of catching fish with a rod and line.

  • Angling is a relaxing hobby during the summer.
  • He went angling by the river yesterday.
trawling

A method of fishing that involves pulling a fishing net through the water behind one or more boats. Mainly used in commercial or large-scale fishing.

  • Trawling can sometimes be harmful to the sea environment.
  • The crew spent the whole day trawling the deep sea.
netting

Involves catching fish using a net. Commonly used in both small-scale and industrial contexts.

  • The villagers were netting fish all morning.
  • Netting fish can be very efficient for large catches.

Examples of usage

  • We went fishing early in the morning.
  • He enjoys fishing in the lake.
  • The fishermen were hoping for a good catch.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'fish'

The word 'fish' comes from Old English 'fisc', which is related to Dutch 'vis' and German 'Fisch'. Fish have been an important food source for humans throughout history, with evidence of fishing dating back to prehistoric times. Fishing has also played a significant role in many cultures and economies around the world.

See also: fishbowl, fishery, fishhook, fishily, fishing, fishmonger, fishwife, fishy.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,182, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.