anglerfish

noun

ang·​ler·​fish ˈaŋ-glər-ˌfish 

: any of several pediculate fishes (such as the goosefishes)

especially : monkfish

Examples of anglerfish in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Synergistic innovations enabled the radiation of anglerfishes in the deep open ocean Britannica. —Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 21 Jan. 2025

The fascinating adaptations of the anglerfish reveal just how interconnected life is, even in the most extreme environments. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024

Female anglerfish, some of which can reach lengths of up to four feet, possess the primary adaptations for hunting and growth. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024

Rare deep-sea anglerfish spotted in shallow waters Condrik Tenerife, a specialist in shark and ray research and conservation, was left stunned after spotting a deep-sea anglerfish in shallow waters off the coast of the Canary Islands. —Andrea Margolis, Fox News, 17 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

angler + fish entry 1; so called from the lure-like luminescent organ that extends from the tip of a modified dorsal fin in females

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for anglerfish

• cuttlefish
• jellyfish
• sablefish
• bluefish
• catfish
• codfish
• crawfish
• dogfish
• finfish
• flatfish
• goldfish
• groundfish

Kids Definition

anglerfish

noun

an·​gler·​fish

-ˌfish

: a bottom-dwelling marine fish that has a large flat head with parts that stick out and lure other fish within reach of its broad mouth