smallmouth bass

noun

small·​mouth bass ˈsmȯl-ˌmau̇th- How to pronounce smallmouth bass (audio)
: a black bass (Micropterus dolomieu) of clear rivers and lakes that is bronzy-green above and lighter below and has the vertex of the angle of the jaw falling below the eye

called also smallmouth, smallmouth black bass

Illustration of smallmouth bass

Illustration of smallmouth bass

Examples of smallmouth bass 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.
Anglers may be pleased with the smallmouth bass population in the upper reaches of the river or the largemouth bass and catfish in the lower reaches. — Josh Laskin, Travel + Leisure, 3 July 2026 Fish native to the Jackson River (which feeds into the dam) like smallmouth bass, rock bass, and chain pickerel can also be caught in the lake. — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 3 June 2026 From Basswood Lake, it may be assumed, smallmouth bass entered Crooked Lake by way of Basswood Falls. — Hank Bradshaw, Outdoor Life, 24 June 2026 Drop-shotting rubber worms and using shad imitation crankbaits are effective for largemouth bass, while crawfish imitation lures work well for smallmouth bass. — Staff Reports, AZCentral.com, 5 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for smallmouth bass

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of smallmouth bass was in 1880

Rhymes for smallmouth bass

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Browse Nearby Words

small money
smallmouth bass
smallmouth buffalo
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

smallmouth bass

noun
small·​mouth bass ˌsmȯl-ˌmau̇th- How to pronounce smallmouth bass (audio)
: a black bass that lives in clear rivers and lakes and is bronze green above and lighter below

called also smallmouth black bass

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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