guppy

[ guhp-ee ]

noun,plural gup·pies.

a small, freshwater topminnow, Poecilia reticulata, often kept in aquariums.

Origin of guppy

Named after R.J.L. Guppy (1836–1916) of Trinidad, who presented specimens to the British Museum; catalogued under the New Latin name Gerardinus guppyi in 1866

Also called rainbow fish.

Words Nearby guppy

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use guppy in a sentence

Sometimes we sally forth in search of adventures in the thick of a 'London particular,' Mr. guppy's phrase for a fog.
Penelope's English Experiences | Kate Douglas Wiggin
I wonder if the world, which retails guppy anecdotes, will be anything the wiser for it.
George Eliot's Life, Vol. III (of 3) | George Eliot
The fourth brings us the Jellybys, with Mr. guppy, and others.
The Problem of 'Edwin Drood' | W. Robertson Nicoll
At luncheon Mrs. Stewart described a sitting with Mrs. guppy the spiritualist.
The Story of My Life, volumes 4-6 | Augustus J. C. Hare
Mrs. guppy said, Dear spirit (we are always very affectionate you know), would you like the glass?
The Story of My Life, volumes 4-6 | Augustus J. C. Hare

British Dictionary definitions for guppy

guppy

/ (ˈɡʌpɪ) /

nounplural -pies

a small brightly coloured freshwater viviparous cyprinodont fish, Lebistes reticulatus, of N South America and the Caribbean: a popular aquarium fish

Origin of guppy

C20: named after R. J. L. Guppy, 19th-century clergyman of Trinidad who first presented specimens to the British Museum

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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