halibut

[hal-uh-buht, hol-]

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.

halibut

/ 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 )

Word History and Origins

Origin of halibut¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of halibut¹

C15: from hali _holy (because it was eaten on holy days) + butte flat fish, from Middle Dutch butte

Example Sentences

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

From Los Angeles Times

Father, son and three other visiting family members arrived at 5 a.m., looking to catch area halibut.

From Los Angeles Times

Sand dabs and halibut, still edible and plentiful there, were held in a net slung under the hull and served moments later.

From Los Angeles Times

Their halibut fish and chips, spruce tip wings, and beer cheese soup are sure to warm you up and satisfy.

From Salon

He has continued fishing for halibut and lingcod, earning much less.

From Los Angeles Times