rudderfish

noun

: any of various fishes reputed to follow or accompany ships:
c
: any of several butterfishes (family Stromateidae)
d
: any of various fishes of the family Kyphosidae
especially : bermuda chub
e
: the opaleye or other fish of the family Girellidae

Word History

Etymology

rudder entry 1 + fish

First Known Use

1735, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rudderfish was in 1735

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Dictionary Entries Near rudderfish

Cite this Entry

“Rudderfish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rudderfish. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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