halibut

[ hal-uh-buht, hol- ]

noun

, plural (especially collectively) hal·i·but, (especially referring to two or more kinds or species) hal·i·buts.

1. either of two large flatfishes, Hippoglossus hippoglossus, of the North Atlantic, or H. stenolepis, of the North Pacific, used for food.
2. any of various other similar flatfishes.

halibut

/ ˈhɒlɪbət; ˈhælɪbət /

noun

1. the largest flatfish: a dark green North Atlantic species, Hippoglossus hippoglossus, that is a very important food fish: family Pleuronectidae
2. any of several similar and related flatfishes, such as Reinhardtius hippoglossoides ( Greenland halibut )

Word History and Origins

Origin of halibut¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English halybutte, equivalent to haly (variant of holy ) + butte “flat fish” (from Middle Dutch ); so called because eaten on holy days. Compare Dutch heilbot, German Heilbutt

Word History and Origins

Origin of halibut¹

C15: from hali holy (because it was eaten on holy days) + butte flat fish, from Middle Dutch butte

Example Sentences

All Atlantic salmon, basa, halibut, mackerel, sockeye salmon and Pacific white shrimp were as advertised.

From Salon

For its owner, Greenlandic company Polar Seafoods, which sells shrimps, crab and halibut, shorter and direct flights mean new business possibilities.

From BBC

There was also plenty of beef tongue and halibut.

From BBC

While browsing the Ballard Farmers Market, I couldn’t resist the eye-catching halibut steaks.

From Seattle Times

A shiny brown halibut carved with bright red formline floats nearby.

From Seattle Times