dogfish

[ dawg-fish, dog- ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

, plural (especially collectively) dog·fish, (especially referring to two or more kinds or species) dog·fish·es.

any of several small sharks, especially of the genera Mustelus and Squalus, that are destructive to food fishes.
any of various other fishes, such as the bowfin.

dogfish

/ ˈdɒɡˌfɪʃ /

any of several small spotted European sharks, esp Scyliorhinus caniculus ( lesser spotted dogfish ): family Scyliorhinidae
any small shark of the family Squalidae, esp Squalus acanthias ( spiny dogfish ), typically having a spine on each dorsal fin
any small smooth-skinned shark of the family Triakidae, esp Mustelus canis ( smooth dogfish or smooth hound )
See bowfin
a less common name for the bowfin

Origin of dogfish¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English; dog + fish

I wouldn't undertake to trot a dogfish on my knee or sing him to sleep with a pennyr'yal hymn, Captain Candage.

They wuz sorted in th' big river but the drive was fouled in the Dogfish.

Then the bag was put around 194 the seine to protect the rest of the mackerel from dogfish and sharks, and we were ready to dress.

Then he spoke likewise to the dogfish, and the dogfish sang of slaughter and the chase, and the joy of blood.

Whereupon the herring, the mackerel, and the dogfish swam forward, and each claimed to be king.

April 20, 2024flabbergast

[flab-er-gast ]

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Browse