pickerel

noun

pick·​er·​el ˈpi-k(ə-)rəl 

plural pickerel or pickerels

1

a

dialectal, chiefly British : a young or small pike

b

: either of two fishes resembling but smaller than the related northern pike:

(1)

: chain pickerel

(2)

: one (Esox americanus) of eastern North America having green or red fins and a black bar below and slanting away from the eye

2

: walleye sense 3

Examples of pickerel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Muskies are the largest members of the Esox family, which includes pike and pickerel. —Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 20 Feb. 2025

Guys are kayaking and getting good catches of crappie, bass and pickerel along with the occasional lethargic snakehead. —Jim Gronaw, Baltimore Sun, 10 Mar. 2024

A lot is going on and there is always abundant pickerel in the tidal flows and throw in the annual white perch and shad runs. —Jim Gronaw, Baltimore Sun, 10 Mar. 2024

More Americans have access to pickerel, but a 25-incher would be a giant. —Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 18 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English pikerel, diminutive of pike

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing pickerel

• chain pickerel

Kids Definition

pickerel

noun

pick·​er·​el ˈpik-(ə-)rəl 

plural pickerel or pickerels

1

: either of two fishes resembling but smaller than the related pike

2

: walleye