shad

[ shad ]

noun

, plural (especially collectively) shad, (especially referring to two or more kinds or species) shads.

1. a deep-bodied herring, Alosa sapidissima, of Europe and North America, that migrates up streams to spawn, used for food.
2. any other fish of the genus Alosa or related genera.
3. any of several unrelated fishes.

shad

/ ʃæd /

noun

1. any of various herring-like food fishes of the genus Alosa and related genera, such as A. alosa ( allis shad ) of Europe, that migrate from the sea to freshwater to spawn: family Clupeidae (herrings)
2. any of various similar but unrelated fishes

Word History and Origins

Origin of shad¹

before 1050; Old English sceadd (not recorded in ME)

Word History and Origins

Origin of shad¹

Old English sceadd; related to Norwegian skadd, German Schade shad, Old Irish scatān herring, Latin scatēre to well up

Example Sentences

Shad roe is such a fleeting seasonal delicacy, so rich and full of flavor.

From The Daily Beast

I'll tell him you never tasted planked shad nor saw one cooked, and he'll just spread himself.

From Project Gutenberg

I don't feel now any great longing even for planked shad—such a dinner I ate!

From Project Gutenberg

At night we were up to Elliott's Key, and anchored by making fast to a sweep shoved into the muddy bottom like a shad-pole.

From Project Gutenberg

If ye think th' highest jooty iv citizenship is to raise a fam'ly why don't ye give a vote to th' shad?

From Project Gutenberg

"Below for us," said the Tennessee Shad, pushing his way forward.

From Project Gutenberg