lantern fish

noun

: any of a family (Myctophidae) of small deep-sea bony fishes that have a large mouth, large eyes, and usually numerous photophores

Examples of lantern fish 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.
Scientists speculate that the squid are likely feasting on the many small animals such as krill and lantern fish that are adapted to spend the day there hiding from other predators that are not equipped to spend time in the hypoxic areas. Katherine Harmon, Scientific American, 8 Apr. 2010

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1753, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lantern fish was circa 1753

Dictionary Entries Near lantern fish

Cite this Entry

“Lantern fish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lantern%20fish. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

lantern fish

noun
: any of numerous small fishes mostly of deep seas that have a large mouth, large eyes, and spots on the body that give off light

More from Merriam-Webster on lantern fish

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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