halibut

American  

[hal-uh-buht, hol-] / ˈhæl ə bət, ˈhɒl- /

noun

plural

halibut,

plural

halibuts

1. either of two large flatfishes, Hippoglossus hippoglossus, of the North Atlantic, or H. stenolepis, of the North Pacific, used for food.

2. any of various other similar flatfishes.

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halibut British  

/ ˈhɒlɪbət, ˈhælɪbət /

noun

1. the largest flatfish: a dark green North Atlantic species, Hippoglossus hippoglossus, that is a very important food fish: family Pleuronectidae

2. any of several similar and related flatfishes, such as Reinhardtius hippoglossoides ( Greenland halibut )

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Etymology

Origin of halibut

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English halybutte, equivalent to haly (variant of holy ) + butte “flat fish” (from Middle Dutch ); so called because eaten on holy days. Compare Dutch heilbot, German Heilbutt

Explanation

A halibut is a flat fish with both eyes on one side of its body. Halibut are native to both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. With its oddly placed eyes, this coldwater fish resembles a young child's drawing. A baby halibut is more symmetrical at birth, with an eye on each side of its head. At about six months old, the fish goes through a metamorphosis that leaves it with both eyes on one side. There are many flatfish, but the halibut is the largest. The name derives from roots meaning "holy flatfish," a reference to the Christian tradition of eating fish on holy days.

Example Sentences

For a decade, the combination of Danish subsidies, infrastructure investment and rising global prices for halibut, cod and shrimp have helped keep the economy ticking over.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 15, 2026

Born in Seattle, Kawahara was a professional fisherman who focused on salmon, albacore tuna and halibut.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 23, 2025

Crispy, tender silver salmon, local halibut, and Pacific cod are fried fresh all day long.

From Salon • Jul. 20, 2025

There was also plenty of beef tongue and halibut.

From BBC • Sep. 7, 2024

The men—two truck farmers, a retired crabber, a bookkeeper, a carpenter, a boat builder, a grocer, and a halibut schooner deckhand—were all dressed in coats and neckties.

From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson