kingfish

noun

king·​fish ˈkiŋ-ˌfish How to pronounce kingfish (audio)
1
: any of several marine croakers (family Sciaenidae): such as
a
: any of three fishes (Menticirrhus americanus, M. littoralis, and M. saxatilis) of shallow coastal waters of the Atlantic Ocean
b
: a small silvery food and sport fish (Genyonemus lineatus) of inshore waters especially of California

called also white croaker

2
3
: an undisputed master in an area or group

Examples of kingfish in a Sentence

as a kingfish in the state's political circles, he was accustomed to being courted by presidential hopefuls
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.
Diamond Jig The classic four-side diamond jig has been around for nearly a century and from Atlantic halibut in the fjords of Norway to cod in Nova Scotia to yellowtail kingfish in California, there are very few saltwater species that won’t smack one. Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 17 Oct. 2024 Visitors can charter boats and hire guides to take them out on the water in search of delicious kingfish, mahi-mahi and sailfish. Catherine Garcia, theweek, 5 Mar. 2024 One night, as an 18-year-old line cook at Fish Face in Sydney, Josh Niland forgot to transfer 15 uncooked portions of kingfish from a service refrigerator back to the walk-in. Caroline Hatchett, Robb Report, 10 May 2024 New stand-outs include the toro no toro, in which locally caught kingfish is enhanced with Flemish Holstein beef to imitate the fat of tuna belly and topped with Royal Belgian Caviar. Mary Winston Nicklin, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for kingfish 

Word History

First Known Use

1815, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of kingfish was in 1815

Dictionary Entries Near kingfish

Cite this Entry

“Kingfish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kingfish. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

kingfish

noun
king·​fish ˈkiŋ-ˌfish How to pronounce kingfish (audio)
: any of various sea fishes (as a king mackerel)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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