anglerfish

noun

ang·​ler·​fish ˈaŋ-glər-ˌfish How to pronounce anglerfish (audio)
: any of several pediculate fishes (such as the goosefishes)
especially : monkfish

Examples of anglerfish in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Like the anglerfish, fusing comb jellies might point scientists toward a mechanism that could prevent organ transplant rejection. Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Dec. 2024 The anglerfish, encompassing over 200 species within the Lophiiformes order, boasts extraordinary adaptations that enable survival in one of the harshest environments on Earth. Scott Travers, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024 Following the demise of the dinosaurs, Earth’s temperature spiked and put the ocean in a state of turmoil, and the early anglerfish began to explore more of the deep sea. Danielle Hall, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Dec. 2024 This means anglerfish call the twilight zone home, regularly venturing even deeper into the midnight zone. Scott Travers, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for anglerfish 

Word History

Etymology

angler + fish entry 1; so called from the lure-like luminescent organ that extends from the tip of a modified dorsal fin in females

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of anglerfish was in 1834

Dictionary Entries Near anglerfish

Cite this Entry

“Anglerfish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anglerfish. Accessed 6 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

anglerfish

noun
an·​gler·​fish
-ˌfish
: a bottom-dwelling marine fish that has a large flat head with parts that stick out and lure other fish within reach of its broad mouth

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