sunfish

1 of 2

noun

sun·​fish ˈsən-ˌfish 

1

: ocean sunfish

2

: any of numerous North American freshwater bony fishes (family Centrarchidae, especially genus Lepomis) usually with a deep compressed body and metallic luster

Sunfish

2 of 2

trademark

—used for a small light sailboat that has one sail

Examples of sunfish in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Seaside Aquarium noted that three sunfish have washed ashore in Clatsop County since June. BIOLOGISTS SURPRISED BY 'INTERESTING' CROOKED FISH CAUGHT IN FLORIDA WATERS One of the fish, a hoodwinker sunfish, was spotted in June. —Andrea Margolis, Fox News, 25 Sep. 2024

McNeish, who has examined the fish carcasses since late August, has identified non-native species including bass, sunfish, bullhead catfish and mosquitofish. —Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2024

At the far end of the beach, the resort's water sports department can provide guests with snorkeling equipment, take them out for quick waterski or wakeboarding trips, or assist with the sunfish or small sailboats. —Hannah Selinger, Travel + Leisure, 23 July 2024

Boyett beat the previous freshwater sunfish record of 11 ounces by weight, set in 2019, according to state officials. —Olivia Lloyd, Miami Herald, 1 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1630, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing sunfish

• green sunfish
• ocean sunfish

Kids Definition

sunfish

noun

sun·​fish ˈsən-ˌfish 

1

: a very large sea fish that is flattened from side to side and has long fins and a small mouth

2

: any of a family of North American freshwater fishes that are related to the perches, are often brightly colored, and usually have a body that is flattened from side to side