spearfish

[ speer-fish ]

noun

, plural (especially collectively) spear·fish, (especially referring to two or more kinds or species) spear·fish·es.

1. any of several fishes of the genus Tetrapturus, resembling the sailfish but having the first dorsal fin much less developed: inhabiting all seas, but rare.
2. any of several related fishes.

verb (used without object)

, spear·fished, spear·fish·ing.

1. to fish underwater using a spearlike implement used manually or propelled mechanically.

spearfish

/ ˈspɪəˌfɪʃ /

noun

1. another name for marlin

Word History and Origins

Origin of spearfish¹

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85; spear ¹ + fish

Word History and Origins

Origin of spearfish¹

so named because of its long pointed jaw

Example Sentences

Coming to the valley of the Spearfish I halted and slept my command until sundown, and then started for our lines.

From Project Gutenberg

It was a wild ride, but they reached Spearfish with no bones broken.

From Project Gutenberg