panfish

noun

pan·​fish ˈpan-ˌfish How to pronounce panfish (audio)
: a small food fish (such as a sunfish) usually taken with hook and line and not available on the market

Examples of panfish 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.
A lot of panfish, like sunnies, bluegills, bass. — Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 12 Aug. 2025 Mark Bange ties some favorite panfish flies. — Staff Report, Baltimore Sun, 25 Mar. 2026 Designed for smaller fish, this combo is best for panfish, trout and small bass. — Christopher Murray May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 31 July 2025 Bring a fishing pole, as Sugar Creek is filled with bass, carp, and a host of panfish. — Robert Annis, Midwest Living, 19 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for panfish

Word History

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of panfish was in 1796

Rhymes for panfish

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Browse Nearby Words

pan-fired
panfish
panforte
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

panfish

noun
pan·​fish ˈpan-ˌfish How to pronounce panfish (audio)
: a small food fish (as a sunfish) usually caught with a hook and line and not sold in stores
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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