guppy

noun

gup·​py ˈgə-pē How to pronounce guppy (audio)
plural guppies
: a small bony fish (Poecilia reticulata of the family Poeciliidae) especially of Barbados, Trinidad, and Venezuela that is a live-bearer and is often kept as an aquarium fish

Illustration of guppy

Illustration of guppy
  • 1 female
  • 2 male

Examples of guppy 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.
A lot more cautious than the other guppies, Nonny would rather talk about what is going on than actually do it. Amanda Rock, Parents, 30 July 2024 The study’s most disturbing finding was that even when exposed to low levels over a long period of time, fluoxetine and its metabolites harms male guppies. Grrlscientist, Forbes, 18 Sep. 2024 This study provides critical insights into how chronic exposure to common pharmaceutical pollutants and their metabolites can fundamentally alter important traits that fish — not just guppies — rely upon for survival and reproduction. Grrlscientist, Forbes, 18 Sep. 2024 If a guppy asks a question, the Little Fish pipe in with the right response. Amanda Rock, Parents, 30 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for guppy 

Word History

Etymology

R. J. L. Guppy †1916 Trinidadian naturalist

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of guppy was in 1925

Dictionary Entries Near guppy

Cite this Entry

“Guppy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/guppy. Accessed 20 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

guppy

noun
gup·​py ˈgəp-ē How to pronounce guppy (audio)
plural guppies
: a small tropical minnow often kept in aquariums

More from Merriam-Webster on guppy

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