anglerfish

noun

ang·​ler·​fish ˈaŋ-glər-ˌfish How to pronounce anglerfish (audio)
: any of several pediculate fishes (such as the goosefishes)
especially : monkfish

Examples of anglerfish 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.
Last year, a dead anglerfish washed up on an Oregon beach for the first time in recorded history. — Andrea Margolis, Fox News, 19 Feb. 2025 Planet Earth hosts a bevy of bioluminescence, from shimmery blue anglerfish to Switzerland’s glowing green mushrooms. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 27 Aug. 2025 The fascinating adaptations of the anglerfish reveal just how interconnected life is, even in the most extreme environments. — Scott Travers, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024 Yellow indicates the presence of anglerfish, for example, while hot pink reflects dolphin data, recorded by a scientist tracking the mammals off Miami’s coast to help raise awareness of boat damage to them. — Leslie Katz, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for anglerfish

Word History

Etymology

angler + fish entry 1; so called from the lure-like luminescent organ that extends from the tip of a modified dorsal fin in females

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of anglerfish was in 1834

Rhymes for anglerfish

See All Rhymes for anglerfish

Browse Nearby Words

angle rafter
anglerfish
angle rib
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Anglerfish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anglerfish. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

anglerfish

noun
an·​gler·​fish
-ˌfish
: a bottom-dwelling marine fish that has a large flat head with parts that stick out and lure other fish within reach of its broad mouth

More from Merriam-Webster on anglerfish

Nglish: Translation of anglerfish for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about anglerfish

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