fish ladder

noun

: a series of pools arranged like steps by which fish can pass over a dam in going upstream

Examples of fish ladder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
In August, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration allocated $3 million for salmon restoration, Merkley said, with another $11.5 million going to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to improve fish ladder passages on the two dams remaining on the river. Debra Utacia Krol, The Arizona Republic, 12 Oct. 2024 Two other dams upriver from the four that were removed, the Link River Dam and the Keno Dam, have fish ladders installed. Debra Utacia Krol, USA TODAY, 2 Sep. 2024 From the visitor center’s outdoor platform, visitors can watch the spectacle of salmon and other fish swimming up a fish ladder — steelhead and sockeye salmon in early summer and chinook and coho salmon in September. Ben Davidson, The Mercury News, 17 June 2024 There are now thousands of dams throughout the Mississippi River Basin, most of which lack fish ladders or other structures allowing for fish passage. Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 24 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fish ladder 

Word History

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fish ladder was in 1864

Dictionary Entries Near fish ladder

Cite this Entry

“Fish ladder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fish%20ladder. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

fish ladder

noun
: an arrangement of pools by which fish can pass around a dam

More from Merriam-Webster on fish ladder

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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