spearfish

[ speer-fish ]

noun

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

1. any of several fishes of the genus Tetrapturus, resembling the sailfish but having the first dorsal fin much less developed: inhabiting all seas, but rare.
2. any of several related fishes.

verb (used without object)

, spear·fished, spear·fish·ing.

1. to fish underwater using a spearlike implement used manually or propelled mechanically.

spearfish

/ ˈspɪəˌfɪʃ /

noun

1. another name for marlin

Word History and Origins

Origin of spearfish¹

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85; spear ¹ + fish

Word History and Origins

Origin of spearfish¹

so named because of its long pointed jaw

Example Sentences

The US is limited to a total recreational catch of 250 combined blue marlin, white marlin and roundscale spearfish each year.

From The Guardian

Left behind on one of the Channel Islands for 18 years, she teaches herself to spearfish and tames a wild dog to help her endure the solitude.

From New York Times

Hansen said he spotted the record-breaking fish while teaching his daughter how to spearfish at a family reunion on Fish Lake.

From Washington Times

Many who spearfish competitively join clubs, groups of divers that compete at annual rodeos and belong to the Louisiana Council of Underwater Dive Clubs, an umbrella organization that keeps score of the yearly records.

From Washington Times

Twenty or more members of the Pulitzer clan rent a house to snorkel, spearfish, swim, picnic and trawl with their boat.

From New York Times