yellowtail

American  

[yel-oh-teyl] / ˈyɛl oʊˌteɪl /

noun

yellowtails, plural yellowtail plural

1. a game fish, Seriola lalandei, of California.

2. Also called yellowtail snapper.  a small West Indian snapper, Ocyurus chrysurus.

3. yellowtail flounder.

4. any of several other fishes with a yellow caudal fin.

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yellowtail British  

/ ˈjɛləʊˌteɪl /

noun

1. a carangid game fish, Seriola dorsalis, of coastal waters of S California and Mexico, having a yellow tail fin

2. any of various similar fishes

3. Also called: yellowtail moth.  any of various similar fishes Another name for goldtail moth

4. another word for yellowtail kingfish

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Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

noun

• yellowtail
  plural
• yellowtails
  plural

Etymology

Origin of yellowtail

First recorded in 1600–10; yellow + tail ¹

Example Sentences

I love all the sushi — the halibut, the red snapper, the spicy yellowtail and the carpaccios.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 9, 2026

I’m partial to the individual cold-smoked bites of yellowtail and salmon.

From Salon • Jul. 22, 2024

Although Japanese seafood imports to Malaysia dipped in August, Miyashita said sale of certain products like yellowtail fish and frozen scallops rose during the month.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 4, 2023

A type of yellowtail, I watched the fish flash streaks of silver when the sun hit just right below the water’s surface.

From National Geographic • Sep. 6, 2023

“Huh? I'm talking about the huge yellowtail that swam . . .” Frankie pulled in his net and spun around.

From "The Red Umbrella" by Christina Gonzalez