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

"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

Currently, black cod and black sea bass processed through Poseidon are sold under Shinkei’s brand Seremoni at retailers such as Happier Grocery and served at upscale restaurants including Atomix and Sushi Zo.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 29, 2025

They were destined to be stuffed into the sea bass, along with parsley, oil, and garlic.

From Salon • Mar. 6, 2025

At the shop they bought mackerel, and butterfish, and sea bass.

From "Interpreter of Maladies" by Jhumpa Lahiri