goldfish

noun

gold·​fish ˈgōl(d)-ˌfish How to pronounce goldfish (audio)
: a small usually golden-orange Asian cyprinid fish (Carassius auratus) often kept as an aquarium and pond fish

Examples of goldfish 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.
The Knitters evacuated through their front door and onto a rescue boat with their daughter, two dogs and goldfish. Bridget Fogarty, jsonline.com, 12 Aug. 2025 His brother Darwin is a goldfish (who sleeps in a fish bowl besides Gumball’s bed). Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 28 July 2025 Utilize varying attachments to get into all the nooks and crannies of your vehicle, including those seat tracks where crumbs, stray goldfish snacks, and crayons are bound to be hiding. Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 17 July 2025 The goldfish is named Atman, the Sanskrit word for the eternal, universal self, which signals to the audience that Haidle’s play is more than a story about cake and candles. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for goldfish

Word History

First Known Use

1752, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of goldfish was in 1752

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Cite this Entry

“Goldfish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/goldfish. Accessed 6 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

goldfish

noun
gold·​fish -ˌfish How to pronounce goldfish (audio)
: a small usually golden orange fish that is often kept in aquariums or ponds

More from Merriam-Webster on goldfish

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