Dover sole

noun

1
: a common European sole (Solea solea) esteemed as a food fish
2
: a flatfish (Microstomus pacificus of the family Pleuronectidae) of the Pacific coast of North America that is a commercially important food fish

Examples of Dover sole 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 White House served Dover sole meunière ‒ a premium French fish dish ‒ as the main course. — Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026 Start with the milk bread with brown honey miso butter and salmon roe, then move to the hamachi tartare or crispy prawn and calamari, and do not leave without trying the Dover sole. — Lanee Lee, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 There’s also ossobuco, a half rack of lamb and traditional English Dover sole, which is served tableside. — Connie Ogle march 11, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026 The savory courses conclude with a donabe filled with rice and seasonal ingredients like Dover sole and Dungeness crab. — Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for Dover sole

Word History

Etymology

probably from Dover, England

First Known Use

circa 1911, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Dover sole was circa 1911

Rhymes for Dover sole

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Browse Nearby Words

dover gray
Dover sole
Dover, Strait of
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Cite this Entry

“Dover sole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Dover%20sole. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on Dover sole

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Dover sole

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