flatfish

noun

flat·fish | \ ˈflat-ˌfish

Definition of flatfish

: any of an order (Pleuronectiformes) of marine typically bottom-dwelling bony fishes (such as the halibuts, flounders, turbots, and soles) that as adults swim on one side of the laterally compressed body and have both eyes on the upper side

Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about flatfish

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Did You Know?

There are about 600 species of flatfish, which have oval, flattened, bony bodies and are found from tropical to cold waters. Flounder and turbot are two examples. Most flatfish species live at moderate depths along the continental shelf, but some enter or live permanently in freshwater. Flatfishes are carnivorous bottom-dwellers that habitually rest on one side. Both eyes are on one side of the head. The side of the fish with eyes (uppermost as it lies on the bottom) is pigmented, but the lower side is normally white. Some flatfish change color to blend with their surroundings. Species vary from 4 in (10 cm) to 7 ft (2 m) long, and some (for example, the Atlantic halibut) may weigh as much as 720 lb (325 kg).

Examples of flatfish in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The annual Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby is ongoing, with Wyoming angler Butch Knutson still leading the $10,000 derby with a 189.6-pound flatfish. — Matt Tunseth, Anchorage Daily News, "As fall nears, fishing focus turns to cohos," 9 Aug. 2019 Respect for classic California comes in a crab Louie salad arranged over half an avocado and, most wonderfully, a plate of delicate, fileted sand dabs — a Pacific flatfish that should be on more menus — nudged with lemon juice and capers. — Bill Addison, latimes.com, "Sinatra hangout Dear John’s is going out in style," 13 June 2019 Look out for other flatfish such as Dover sole or flounder. — Rochelle Bilow, Bon Appetit, "75 Summer Recipes Everyone Should Know How to Cook," 4 May 2018 Look out for other flatfish such as Dover sole or flounder. — Rochelle Bilow, Bon Appetit, "75 Summer Recipes Everyone Should Know How to Cook," 4 May 2018 Look out for other flatfish such as Dover sole or flounder. — Rochelle Bilow, Bon Appetit, "75 Summer Recipes Everyone Should Know How to Cook," 4 May 2018 Look out for other flatfish such as Dover sole or flounder. — Rochelle Bilow, Bon Appetit, "75 Summer Recipes Everyone Should Know How to Cook," 4 May 2018 Look out for other flatfish such as Dover sole or flounder. — Rochelle Bilow, Bon Appetit, "75 Summer Recipes Everyone Should Know How to Cook," 4 May 2018 Look out for other flatfish such as Dover sole or flounder. — Rochelle Bilow, Bon Appetit, "75 Summer Recipes Everyone Should Know How to Cook," 4 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'flatfish.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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More Definitions for flatfish

flatfish

noun

English Language Learners Definition of flatfish

: a fish (such as a halibut, flounder, or sole) that has a flat body and swims on its side with both eyes on the upper side

See the full definition for flatfish in the English Language Learners Dictionary

flatfish

noun

flat·fish | \ ˈflat-ˌfish

Kids Definition of flatfish

: a fish (as the flounder) that has a flat body and swims on its side with both eyes on the upper side

flatfish

Definition of flatfish

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Examples of flatfish in a Sentence

First Known Use of flatfish

English Language Learners Definition of flatfish

Kids Definition of flatfish

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