killifish

noun

kil·​li·​fish ˈki-li-ˌfish How to pronounce killifish (audio)
1
: any of a family (Cyprinodontidae) of numerous small oviparous fishes much used as bait and in mosquito control
2
: any of various live-bearers (family Poeciliidae)

Examples of killifish 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.
Forest killifishes are unusual because of their preferred forest habitat. Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 14 Mar. 2025 In his own research, Whitehead has shown that Atlantic killifish, a small silvery fish found off eastern Canada and the United States, has adapted to live comfortably in estuaries plagued by heavy industrial pollution. Brian Owens, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Jan. 2024 Most species are holding fewer cards than the killifish. Brian Owens, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Jan. 2024 Some guppies live in havens that are largely predator-free except for the killifish, a small fish that only takes the smallest juvenile guppies. Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 1 Feb. 2010 See All Example Sentences for killifish

Word History

Etymology

killie killifish (perhaps from kill entry 3) + fish

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of killifish was in 1836

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Cite this Entry

“Killifish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/killifish. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.

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