steelhead

American  

[steel-hed] / ˈstilˌhɛd /

noun

• steelheads,
  plural
• steelhead
  plural

1. a silvery rainbow trout that migrates to the sea before returning to fresh water to spawn.

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steelhead British  

/ ˈstiːlˌhɛd /

noun

1. a silvery North Pacific variety of the rainbow trout ( Salmo gairdneri )

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• steelhead
  plural
• steelheads
  plural

Etymology

Origin of steelhead

First recorded in 1580–90; steel + head

Compare meaning

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

• steelhead vs. trout

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

steelhead steelheads

In an accompanying statement, the groups argued the rule changes could immediately harm wildlife including Florida manatees, grizzly bears, salmon and steelhead fish, bird species like rufa red knots and golden-cheeked warblers, and insect pollinators.

From Barron's ● Jul. 14, 2026

Scientists feared the Santa Monica Mountains’ last remaining steelhead trout were dead, smothered by debris flows unleashed by the Palisades fire.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 9, 2026

Fish and Wildlife Service’s military conservation partner of the year for its efforts to support the recovery of several species, including the tidewater goby, coastal California gnatcatcher, the arroyo toad and southern California steelhead.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 28, 2025

Overhouse and other environmental advocates argue that the voluntary deals struck by major water suppliers would be disastrous for threatened and endangered fish, including salmon, steelhead, green sturgeon, longfin smelt and Delta smelt.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 24, 2025

So were the young stages of several thousand steelhead trout and other species of trout.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

Steelhead trout are the same species as rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, but unlike their freshwater-dwelling relatives, steelheads spend much of their lives feeding in the ocean and return to their natal streams to spawn.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 23, 2024

Unlike salmon, which are part of the same family, steelheads often spawn multiple times before they die.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 23, 2024

While tribal members can sell kings for $8 per pound, they do not sell steelheads, mainly just using them for food.

From New York Times ● Jun. 11, 2018

Living in his car and on boats, his entire existence hanging on the whim of silvery steelheads and the hatching pattern of mayflies.

From Washington Post ● Jan. 1, 2018

The clear tree-fringed lakes and rivers are filled with speckled trout and steelheads, pike and pickerel and whitefish.

From "The Incredible Journey" by Sheila Burnford