eelpout

noun

eel·​pout ˈēl-ˌpau̇t How to pronounce eelpout (audio)
1
: any of various elongate tapered marine fishes (family Zoarcidae) usually living on the bottom of cold seas
2
: burbot

Examples of eelpout in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Just last year, DNR championed a bill at the Legislature that elevated eelpout (burbot) from unprotected rough fish to game fish. Tony Kennedy, Star Tribune, 1 Apr. 2021 Bad Medicine's eelpout dwell at depths of 30 to 40 feet during winter days. Tony Kennedy, Star Tribune, 14 Jan. 2021 Second, eelpout are aggressive beneath the ice, especially after dark. Dr. Jason Halfen, Outdoor Life, 2 Jan. 2020 All are apt descriptions for a 19-pound, 11-ounce eelpout (aka burbot, aka lawyer, lingcod, cusk and a host of other unbecoming nicknames) caught by Brent Getzler of Roosevelt. Dave Orrick, Twin Cities, 5 Jan. 2017

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of eelpout was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near eelpout

eelpot

eelpout

eelspear

Cite this Entry

“Eelpout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eelpout. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on eelpout

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!