halfbeak

noun

half·​beak ˈhaf-ˌbēk How to pronounce halfbeak (audio)
ˈhäf-
: any of various narrow-bodied fishes of warm waters that have an elongated lower jaw and are grouped with the flying fishes (family Exocoetidae) or placed in their own family (Hemiramphidae)

Examples of halfbeak 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.
Today, this feature is seen only in a group of small fish called halfbeaks. Jack Tamisiea, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2024 On a recent visit, diners were offered buri (Japanese amberjack), ankimo (monkfish liver), kegani (horsehair crab), shirako (cod milt), and sayori (Japanese halfbeak). William Li, Town & Country, 20 Mar. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of halfbeak was in 1880

Dictionary Entries Near halfbeak

Cite this Entry

“Halfbeak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/halfbeak. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on halfbeak

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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