minnow

[ min-oh ]

noun

, plural (especially referring to two or more kinds or species) min·nows, (especially collectively, Rare) min·now

1. a small, European cyprinoid fish, Phoxinus phoxinus.
2. any other fish of the family Cyprinidae, including the carps, goldfishes, and daces.
3. any of various unrelated, small fishes.
4. a person or thing that is comparatively small or insignificant:

   With just six electoral votes up for grabs, the Midwestern swing state of Iowa is a mere minnow compared to giants like Florida and Ohio.

5. Also called cryp·to min·now [krip, -toh min-oh]. an investor who holds a small amount of cryptocurrency and is therefore unlikely to make transactions that have a significant effect on prices: Compare whale ¹( def ).

   In the world of cryptocurrency and blockchain, minnows still play a crucial role in decentralizing ownership and participation in the industry.

minnow

/ ˈmɪnəʊ /

noun

1. a small slender European freshwater cyprinid fish, Phoxinus phoxinus
2. any other small cyprinid
3. angling a spinning lure imitating a minnow
4. a small or insignificant person

Word History and Origins

Origin of minnow¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English minwe, Old English mynwe (unrecorded), feminine of myne; cognate with Old High German munewa, a kind of fish

Word History and Origins

Origin of minnow¹

C15: related to Old English myne minnow; compare Old High German muniwa fish

Example Sentences

After last season's meteoric campaign, Spanish minnows Girona are having to adapt to life in the Champions League.

From BBC

Yet for 101 minutes, the big fish and the minnows were even.

From Los Angeles Times

Minnows are much less expensive than rice fish — “about 20 cents versus $4” — so he started with minnows in case his investment got eaten.

From Los Angeles Times

When the scientists created a strong, turbulent current, the solo minnows struggled.

From Science Magazine

The gators didn’t give us a lot of trouble, but sometimes if they smelled the minnows we used as bait, they’d come near the boat and try and see if they could get a meal.

From Literature