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

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

While I gawked at the scenery, Wong was busy prying spiny dogfish head sharks loose from our hooks — these bottom feeders are a common irritant while salmon fishing.

From Seattle Times

“What are the larger sharks going to eat if there are no dogfish?” he persisted.

From Literature