sea bass

American  

[see bas] / ˈsi ˌbæs /

Or seabass

noun

1. any of numerous marine fishes of the family Serranidae, such as the black sea bass.

2. a common name for any of numerous marine food fishes of various families, such as the Chilean sea bass and the white sea bass.

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sea bass British  

/ bæs /

noun

1. any of various American coastal percoid fishes of the genus Centropristes and related genera, such as C. striatus ( black sea bass ), having an elongated body with a long spiny dorsal fin almost divided into two: family Serranidae

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Etymology

Origin of sea bass

An Americanism first recorded in 1755–65

Compare meaning

How does sea-bass compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• branzino vs. sea bass

Example Sentences

On the menu, honey-glazed lime chicken, roast sea bass, caramelised leek penne and an outrageously moreish passion fruit meringue.

From BBC • Jun. 21, 2026

"Diesel has reached a price that's quite critical for us," said Le Quintrec, unloading sole and sea bass caught recently overnight at the port of Lorient.

From Barron's • Mar. 20, 2026

The sea bass and bream are always tasty.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 21, 2025

I’ll order the sake-glazed Chilean sea bass and pasta for Hazel.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 27, 2025

"The newly decorated restaurant, Hoo's On First, the eatery of athletes, will hold its grand reopening on Sunday. Specialty of the day: fruited sea bass on purple waves."

From "The Westing Game" by Ellen Raskin