kingfish

[ king-fish ]

noun

, plural (especially collectively) king·fish, (especially referring to two or more kinds or species) king·fish·es.

1. any of several marine food fishes of the drum family, especially of the genus Menticirrhus, found off the eastern coast of the United States.
2. Also called white croak·er [wahyt, , kroh, -ker, hwahyt]. a marine food fish, Genyonemus lineatus, found off the Californian coast.
3. king mackerel.
4. a large game fish, Seriola grandis, found in Australia and New Zealand, closely related to the yellowtail.
5. any of various other fishes noted especially for their size.
6. Informal. a person regarded as a leader or authority:

   a kingfish in Democratic Party circles.

kingfish

/ ˈkɪŋˌfɪʃ /

noun

1. any marine sciaenid food and game fish of the genus Menticirrhus, occurring in warm American Atlantic coastal waters
2. another name for opah
3. any of various other large food fishes, esp the Spanish mackerel
4. Also calledNZhaku a large food and game fish, Seriola lalandi lalandi , of New Zealand waters

Word History and Origins

Origin of kingfish¹

First recorded in 1740–50; king + fish

Example Sentences

Mr. Chacón Soto, 58, who has been fishing since he was 13, regularly catches red and queen snapper, kingfish and codfish.

From New York Times

The website for the charter boat says customers can catch swordfish, bass and kingfish: “Charter fishing for the serious angler,” it says.

From Seattle Times

Offshore in Texas waters still producing snapper, kingfish and cobia.

From Washington Times

State red snapper is good with a mix of kingfish and cobia offshore.

From Washington Times

Red snapper, kingfish and cobia are in the culverts.

From Washington Times

Related Words

• administrator
• captain
• chief
• commandant
• director
• head
• officer
• ruler