fishery

noun

fish·​ery ˈfi-shə-rē How to pronounce fishery (audio)
plural fisheries
1
: the occupation, industry, or season of taking fish or other sea animals (such as sponges, shrimp, or seals) : fishing
2
: a place for catching fish or taking other sea animals
3
: a fishing establishment
also : its fishermen
4
: the legal right to take fish at a particular place or in particular waters
5
: the technology of fishery
—usually used in plural

Examples of fishery 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.
This is myth, and fisheries biologists know that pike do feed during the hot months just as other fish do. — Jack G. Mell, Outdoor Life, 2 July 2026 Coastal marshes similarly reduce erosion, buffer storm surges and support fisheries. — Eric Palkovacs, The Conversation, 25 June 2026 Entire communities were built around the fishery, and more than 10 percent of the province’s population worked in the industry. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 June 2026 Ralston highlighted research indicating that more than 40% of breeding permit fish, a key recreational fishery in the state, were being lost to sharks during the catch-and-release process. — Bri Buckley, CBS News, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for fishery

Word History

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of fishery was in 1534

Browse Nearby Words

fisherwoman
fishery
fishery salt
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

fishery

noun
fish·​ery ˈfish-(ə-)rē How to pronounce fishery (audio)
plural fisheries
1
: the activity or business of fishing
2
: a place or establishment for catching fish

More from Merriam-Webster on fishery

Nglish: Translation of fishery for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fishery

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