Home
/ Dictionary
/ Starting With F
/ Page 20
/ Fishbowl

Fishbowl: meaning, definitions and examples

🐠

Add to dictionary

fishbowl

[ ˈfɪʃboʊl ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

home decor

A fishbowl is a glass container used to keep fish as pets. It is typically round in shape and has an open top for feeding the fish and cleaning the bowl. Fishbowls are often used for small fish like goldfish or bettas.

Synonyms

aquarium, fish tank.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fishbowl	Used to describe a small, often round, transparent container where one or a few small fish are kept. It can also metaphorically refer to a situation where one is closely observed. She kept a goldfish in a tiny fishbowl on her desk Living in such a small town felt like being in a fishbowl
fish tank	Used for any container, usually rectangular and somewhat larger, designed to hold fish and aquatic plants. It can vary in size and is a common household item. He bought a new filter for his fish tank to keep the water clean The fish tank in the living room is home to several colorful fish
aquarium	Refers to a large tank or a complex of tanks, often found in public places, where various aquatic creatures are kept and displayed. It is associated with professional or extensive setups. They visited the city aquarium to see the sharks and other marine life Her home aquarium features a variety of tropical fish and aquatic plants

Word

Description / Examples

fishbowl

Used to describe a small, often round, transparent container where one or a few small fish are kept. It can also metaphorically refer to a situation where one is closely observed.

She kept a goldfish in a tiny fishbowl on her desk
Living in such a small town felt like being in a fishbowl

fish tank

Used for any container, usually rectangular and somewhat larger, designed to hold fish and aquatic plants. It can vary in size and is a common household item.

He bought a new filter for his fish tank to keep the water clean
The fish tank in the living room is home to several colorful fish

aquarium

Refers to a large tank or a complex of tanks, often found in public places, where various aquatic creatures are kept and displayed. It is associated with professional or extensive setups.

They visited the city aquarium to see the sharks and other marine life
Her home aquarium features a variety of tropical fish and aquatic plants

Examples of usage

Sarah placed a beautiful fishbowl on the living room table.
The fish in the fishbowl swam gracefully around the bowl.

Translations

Translations of the word "fishbowl" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aquário

🇮🇳 मछलीघर

🇩🇪 Aquarium

🇮🇩 akuarium

🇺🇦 акваріум

🇵🇱 akwarium

🇯🇵 水槽 (すいそう)

🇫🇷 aquarium

🇪🇸 acuario

🇹🇷 akvaryum

🇰🇷 수족관

🇸🇦 حوض السمك

🇨🇿 akvárium

🇸🇰 akvárium

🇨🇳 鱼缸 (yú gāng)

🇸🇮 akvarij

🇮🇸 fiskabúr

🇰🇿 аквариум

🇬🇪 აკვარიუმი

🇦🇿 akvarium

🇲🇽 acuario

Etymology

The concept of the fishbowl dates back to ancient times when people kept fish in bowls or containers for decorative purposes. The modern fishbowl as we know it today became popular in the 19th century as interest in fishkeeping grew. Initially, fishbowls were made of glass, providing a clear view of the fish swimming inside. Over time, fishbowls have evolved in design and size, catering to different types of aquatic pets.

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