dogfish

[ dawg-fish, dog- ]

noun

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

1. any of several small sharks, especially of the genera Mustelus and Squalus, that are destructive to food fishes.
2. any of various other fishes, such as the bowfin.

dogfish

/ ˈdɒɡˌfɪʃ /

noun

1. any of several small spotted European sharks, esp Scyliorhinus caniculus ( lesser spotted dogfish ): family Scyliorhinidae
2. any small shark of the family Squalidae, esp Squalus acanthias ( spiny dogfish ), typically having a spine on each dorsal fin
3. any small smooth-skinned shark of the family Triakidae, esp Mustelus canis ( smooth dogfish or smooth hound )
4. a less common name for the bowfin

Word History and Origins

Origin of dogfish¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English; dog + fish

Example Sentences

“The cookiecutter shark is part of the dogfish family and loves warm water. It takes circular bites out of its prey so it looks like a cookie cutter has been pushed into the other fish all over. It likes a snack,” he chortled.

From Literature

Deb Dauphinais said they were not afraid of being attacked by what appeared to be a juvenile Dogfish shark, but were cautious, in case it snapped at them.

From Seattle Times

Spiny dogfish, another threatened shark species—officially termed “vulnerable” by the IUCN—was detected in almost 90 percent of the fried fish sampled at dozens of fish-and-chip shops in the United Kingdom.

From National Geographic

The fish sold through Fishadelphia includes well-known species like tuna or scallops and what Yi calls underutilized: species like dragon fish, dogfish, monkfish, skate and when those aren't available, clams and oysters.

From Salon

The U.S. ban comes with a few exceptions, including allowing the sale of fins from certain dogfish sharks.

From Washington Post