sailfish

[ seyl-fish ]

noun

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

1. a large tropical and subtropical marine fish, Istiophorus platypterus, of the family Istiophoridae, distinguished by a long, high dorsal fin, long pelvic fins, and a double keel on each side of the tail.
2. any of several related fishes having a high dorsal fin.

sailfish

/ ˈseɪlˌfɪʃ /

noun

1. any of several large scombroid game fishes of the genus Istiophorus, such as I. albicans ( Atlantic sailfish ), of warm and tropical seas: family Istiophoridae. They have an elongated upper jaw and a long sail-like dorsal fin
2. another name for basking shark

Word History and Origins

Origin of sailfish¹

First recorded in 1585–95; sail + fish

Example Sentences

"We already have footage of hunting behavior of sailfish and mahi mahi where we have seen even more pronounced and more variable color change than in the marlin," Burns says.

From Science Daily

That scenario mirrors decade-old observations that other large predatory ocean fish—marlin and sailfish—also keep near the surface in areas where deeper water is depleted of oxygen.

From Science Magazine

Mayor Martínez, 54, has watched the synthetic-drug revolution transform her hometown, which once prided itself on being the “sailfish capital of the world.”

From Washington Post

A large sailfish leapt from the water and gored an elderly Maryland woman last week during a fishing excursion off Florida’s eastern coast.

From Washington Times

Stick around for a glimpse behind the camera as Rosenthal films sailfish hunting in the open ocean.

From Washington Post