dogfish

American  

[dawg-fish, dog-] / ˈdɔgˌfɪʃ, ˈdɒg- /

noun

plural

dogfish,

plural

dogfishes

1. any of several small sharks, especially of the genera Mustelus and Squalus, that are destructive to food fishes.

2. any of various other fishes, such as the bowfin.

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dogfish British  

/ ˈdɒɡˌfɪʃ /

noun

1. any of several small spotted European sharks, esp Scyliorhinus caniculus ( lesser spotted dogfish ): family Scyliorhinidae

2. any small shark of the family Squalidae, esp Squalus acanthias ( spiny dogfish ), typically having a spine on each dorsal fin

3. any small smooth-skinned shark of the family Triakidae, esp Mustelus canis ( smooth dogfish or smooth hound )

4. a less common name for the bowfin

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Etymology

Origin of dogfish

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English; dog + fish

Example Sentences

Those were partially offset by increases in the Sun Cruiser, Angry Orchard, and Dogfish Head brands, the company said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

Deb Dauphinais said they were not afraid of being attacked by what appeared to be a juvenile Dogfish shark, but were cautious, in case it snapped at them.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 12, 2023

Dogfish Head, the brewery founded in 1995 in Rehoboth Beach, Del., by Sam Calagione and his wife, Mariah Calagione, has gone on to become a leading craft brewer releasing dozens of beers each year.

From New York Times • Nov. 1, 2021

In one potentially positive sign, Philadelphian Peter Rosa, who normally chooses regional craft brands such as Dogfish Head and Troeg, said he turned to Bud Light this season when watching his beloved Eagles.

From Reuters • Feb. 1, 2019

Dogfish known as topes, twelve feet long and especially feared by divers, were racing with each other.

From Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Walter, F. P.