bullhead

noun

bull·​head ˈbu̇l-ˌhed How to pronounce bullhead (audio)
also ˈbəl-
: any of various large-headed fishes (such as a sculpin)
especially : any of several common freshwater catfishes (genus Ameiurus) of the U.S.

Examples of bullhead 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 fish, if a brown bullhead, would be one of the largest caught in the state in years. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 6 Mar. 2026 Even classic gluttons like bullheads might prefer a leaner cuisine when the wind is cold or the run is just starting. — Will Ryan, Field & Stream, 5 July 2023 Good choices include live sunfish, suckers, bullheads, carp, goldfish, and chubs. — Keith Sutton, Outdoor Life, 18 June 2026 In the report, the state said the dead fish species included black and striped bass, bullhead, catfish, rainbow trout, shad, sunfish, yellow perch, and minnows. — Kristi Swartz, AJC.com, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for bullhead

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bullhead was in the 15th century

Rhymes for bullhead

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Browse Nearby Words

bull gun
bullhead
Bullhead City
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Cite this Entry

“Bullhead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bullhead. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

bullhead

noun
bull·​head -ˌhed How to pronounce bullhead (audio)
: any of various fishes with large heads
especially : any of several common freshwater catfishes of the U.S.

More from Merriam-Webster on bullhead

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bullhead

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