American shad

noun

: a shad (Alosa sapidissima) of the Atlantic coast of North America that has a greenish back and silvery sides

Word History

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of American shad was in 1833

Dictionary Entries Near American shad

Cite this Entry

“American shad.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/American%20shad. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on American shad

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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