Pickerel: meaning, definitions and examples

🎣

Add to dictionary

pickerel

[ˈpɪkərəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

fish

A small North American freshwater fish of the pike family, with a spotted green or grayish back and silvery sides.

Synonyms

bass, perch, pike.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pickerel	'Pickerel' is often used to describe a small or young version of pike and is commonly used in North America. It can be used when talking about fishing in freshwater lakes or rivers. We caught a few pickerel during our fishing trip last weekend. The lake is known for its abundance of pickerel.
pike	'Pike' is a general term for a type of large, predatory freshwater fish found in the Northern Hemisphere. It's typically used in the context of sport fishing and discussing larger, aggressive fish. Catching a big pike can be quite challenging. The pike in this river can grow very large.
perch	'Perch' is used for a type of freshwater fish found in North America and Europe. It's commonly used in casual fishing conversations and when talking about fish that are good for eating. We fried the perch we caught at the lake. Perch are abundant in these waters during summer.
bass	'Bass' is a popular term for a type of fish that's often targeted in sport fishing. It can be used when discussing freshwater fishing, especially in North America. It includes different species like largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. He caught a huge bass on his last fishing trip. The bass are really biting today.

Examples of usage

It was exciting to catch a pickerel while fishing in the lake.
The pickerel was known for its aggressive behavior when hooked.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

fishing

A freshwater fish of the pike family, typically found in weedy ponds and rivers.

Synonyms

bass, perch, pike.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pickerel	Typically used in North American fishing contexts to refer to a type of fish that is smaller than the pike but similar in appearance. Often found in lakes and rivers. We caught a pickerel by the dock yesterday. Pickerel are abundant in this lake.
pike	Often used in fishing, especially in European and North American contexts, to describe a large, aggressive freshwater fish. The term can also have a historical context relating to a type of weapon, but rarely used in modern conversation this way. He caught a massive pike in the river. Pike are known for their sharp teeth.
perch	Typically refers to a type of freshwater fish. The word can also have non-literal meanings, such as a place to sit or rest at a higher level. Primarily used in both fishing and everyday contexts. We caught a dozen perch near the shore. The cat found a perch on the windowsill.
bass	Commonly used to describe a popular game fish, especially in freshwater fishing. Bass can refer to different species, such as largemouth bass or smallmouth bass. Frequently mentioned in recreational fishing. He spent the afternoon fishing for bass. The bass in this river are really big.

Examples of usage

The best bait for pickerel is usually live minnows.
Many anglers enjoy fishing for pickerel in the early morning.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'pickerel' comes from the Middle English word 'pike', referring to its resemblance to pike fish.
It is often used to describe juvenile pike, showing the connection between these two types of fish.
Some sources indicate that the name is derived from the Old French 'picarel', meaning a small pike.

Culinary Uses

Pickerel is a popular fish in North America, especially in regions like the Great Lakes, where it's a local delicacy.
It can be grilled, fried, or baked, and its mild flavor makes it versatile in many recipes.
The fish is often served with lemon and herbs to enhance its flavor, and is seen as a healthy protein choice.

Ecology

Pickerel thrive in weedy shallow areas of lakes and rivers, often near rocks or fallen trees, where they can hide from predators.
They are ambush predators, meaning they quietly wait for smaller fish to swim by before striking quickly.
During the breeding season, pickerel can be found in shallow waters where they spawn on vegetation.

Sport Fishing

Pickerel are a favorite among anglers for sport fishing due to their fighting ability once hooked.
They are often caught using various methods like spinning, fly fishing, or ice fishing in winter.
Fishing for pickerel can be a fun family activity, promoting outdoor skills and respect for nature.

Pop Culture

The pickerel is often featured in regional folk songs and stories celebrating the fishing culture of lakeside communities.
Outdoor cooking shows frequently showcase pickerel dishes to highlight local fishing traditions.
In some cultures, it is symbolically associated with abundance, linked to the plentiful lakes where it is caught.

Translations

Translations of the word "pickerel" in other languages:

🇵🇹 lúcio

🇮🇳 पाइकरल मछली

🇩🇪 Hecht

🇮🇩 ikan tombak

🇺🇦 щука

🇵🇱 szczupak

🇯🇵 パイク

🇫🇷 brochet

🇪🇸 lucio

🇹🇷 turna balığı

🇰🇷 물고기

🇸🇦 سمك البايكرل

🇨🇿 štika

🇸🇰 šťuka

🇨🇳 梭鲈

🇸🇮 ščuka

🇮🇸 gedda

🇰🇿 шортан

🇬🇪 პაიკერელი

🇦🇿 şimal balığı

🇲🇽 lucio

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,226, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
29223 biker
29224 unpleasing
29225 suckle
29226 pickerel
29227 questioningly
29228 linden
29229 trivially
...