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

I wouldn't undertake to trot a dogfish on my knee or sing him to sleep with a pennyr'yal hymn, Captain Candage.

From Project Gutenberg

They wuz sorted in th' big river but the drive was fouled in the Dogfish.

From Project Gutenberg

Then the bag was put around 194 the seine to protect the rest of the mackerel from dogfish and sharks, and we were ready to dress.

From Project Gutenberg

Then he spoke likewise to the dogfish, and the dogfish sang of slaughter and the chase, and the joy of blood.

From Project Gutenberg

Whereupon the herring, the mackerel, and the dogfish swam forward, and each claimed to be king.

From Project Gutenberg