Meaning & Definition of word "Fish"
to
Fish
/fɪʃ/
noun:
- 1. A limbless cold-blooded vertebrate animal with gills and fins living wholly in water.
- Example: The aquarium was filled with colorful fish swimming gracefully.
- 2. The flesh of such an animal used as food.
- Example: We are having grilled fish for dinner tonight.
- 3. A person who is very good at swimming.
- Example: My brother is a real fish; he spends all his time in the pool.
verb:
- 1. To catch fish, either for recreational or commercial purposes.
- Example: We plan to fish at the lake this weekend.
- 2. To search for something, especially in a clumsy manner.
- Example: She had to fish through her purse to find her keys.
Etymology
Old English 'fisc', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'viss' and German 'Fisch'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
big fish in a small pond:
A person who is important or influential within a small group.
to fish for compliments:
To try to get someone to say nice things about you.
like shooting fish in a barrel:
Very easy to do.
there are plenty of fish in the sea:
There are many other potential partners available.
Related Words
fishing:
The activity of catching fish.
fisherman:
A person who catches fish for a living or hobby.
aquarium:
A transparent tank of water where fish and other aquatic animals and plants are kept.
Slang Meanings of fish
Meaning: A person who is easily deceived.
Example Sentence: He just gave away all his money; what a fish!
Meaning: To fish someone out of something means to rescue them.
Example Sentence: I had to fish him out from behind the crowd.