steelhead

noun

steel·​head ˈstēl-ˌhed How to pronounce steelhead (audio)
plural steelhead also steelheads
: an anadromous rainbow trout

called also steelhead trout

Examples of steelhead 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.
The Bay-Delta is now a global hot spot for fish extinction, with two salmon runs, two sturgeon species, steelhead and more at risk of vanishing forever. Barbara Barrigan-Parrilla, The Mercury News, 12 Feb. 2025 Several fish species native to the region are protected under the Endangered Species Act — including the delta smelt, longfin smelt, chinook salmon runs and steelhead trout. Ari Plachta, Sacramento Bee, 27 Jan. 2025 At the time, the multistate and tribal parties agreed to a comprehensive package of actions called the Columbia Basin Restoration Initiative to address the salmon and steelhead decline, as well as climate, energy and tribal justice issues challenging the region. Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 5 Dec. 2024 Some officials and environmentalists objected that the new rules would increase the chances that salmon, smelt and steelhead would go extinct, according to Cal Matters. Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for steelhead

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1882, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of steelhead was circa 1882

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Cite this Entry

“Steelhead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/steelhead. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

steelhead

noun
steel·​head ˈstē(ə)l-ˌhed How to pronounce steelhead (audio)
plural steelhead also steelheads
: a rainbow trout that migrates to the sea to mature and returns to rivers to breed

called also steelhead trout

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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