halibut

noun

hal·​i·​but ˈha-lə-bət 

 also  ˈhä-

plural halibut also halibuts

: any of several marine flatfishes (especially Hippoglossus hippoglossus of the Atlantic and H. stenolepis of the Pacific) that are widely used for food and include some of the largest bony fishes

Did you know?

Among the different kinds of fish found in the world’s oceans is a group called the flatfish. Flatfish are well named, for they have flattened bodies with both eyes on the upper side of the head. In Middle English the word for flatfish was butte. During the Middle Ages, fish was often eaten on holy days in place of meat. The most popular fish for the holy days was the largest variety of flatfish, or “butte.” Thus, this particular fish came to be called in Middle English halybutte, meaning literally “holy flatfish,” from haly, a form of holy, and butte. In modern English the spelling has been changed to halibut.

Examples of halibut in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Diamond Jig The classic four-side diamond jig has been around for nearly a century and from Atlantic halibut in the fjords of Norway to cod in Nova Scotia to yellowtail kingfish in California, there are very few saltwater species that won’t smack one. —Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 17 Oct. 2024

On the menu, guests savored blanched asparagus drizzled with truffle, followed by a delightful filet of halibut. —Eliseé Browchuk, Vogue, 13 Sep. 2024

The ship also calls at Kodiak, where guests can board boats for wildlife viewing or fish for king salmon or halibut, before continuing to the scenic glacier cruising and fascinating communities in Southeast Alaska. —Scott Laird, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Sep. 2024

Wildlife photographers search for bears and moose, and anglers head out for salmon and halibut from Whittier. —Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY, 15 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English halybutte, from haly, holy holy + butte flatfish, from Middle Dutch or Middle Low German but; from its being eaten on holy days

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

halibut

noun

hal·​i·​but ˈhal-ə-bət 

ˈhäl-

plural halibut also halibuts

: either of two marine food fishes of the Atlantic or Pacific oceans that are the largest flatfishes reaching several hundred pounds

Etymology

Middle English halybutte, literally, "holy flatfish," from haly "holy" and butte "flatfish"; so called from the fact it was regularly eaten on holy days

Word Origin

Among the different kinds of fish found in the world's oceans is a group called the flatfish. Flatfish are well named, for they have flattened bodies with both eyes on the upper side of the head. In Middle English the word for flatfish was butte. Many of the flatfish are good to eat, and the largest of the flatfish got its name because it was popular as food. During the Middle Ages fish was often eaten on holy days in place of meat. The most popular fish for the holy days was the largest variety of flatfish, or "butte." Thus, this particular fish came to be called in Middle English halybutte, meaning literally "holy flatfish," from haly, a form of holy, and butte. In Modern English the spelling has been changed to halibut.