dogfish

noun

dog·​fish ˈdȯg-ˌfish 

: any of various usually small bottom-dwelling sharks (as of the families Squalidae, Carcharhinidae, and Scyliorhinidae) that often appear in schools near shore, prey chiefly on fish and invertebrates, and are a valuable food source

Examples of dogfish in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The dogfish, however, is not prohibited and is legal for recreational fishing. —Mike Stunson, Miami Herald, 27 June 2024

Although the species is sometimes confused with invasive snakeheads, bowfin (also known as dogfish) are native to Wisconsin and the larger Mississippi River Basin. —Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 13 Mar. 2024

Cod may eventually be replaced by another species like spiny dogfish, for example. —Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 22 June 2022

By and large, dogfish are considered a trash species in the U.S. —Joe Cermele, Field & Stream, 26 July 2023

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

dogfish

noun

dog·​fish -ˌfish 

: any of various small sharks that often appear in schools near shore

Medical Definition

dogfish

noun

dog·​fish -ˌfish 

: any of various small sharks (as of the families Squalidae, Carcharhinidae, and Scyliorhinidae) that often appear in schools near shore, prey chiefly on fish and invertebrates, and are a valuable food source