sculpin

[ skuhl-pin ]

noun

, plural (especially collectively) scul·pin, (especially referring to two or more kinds or species) scul·pins.

1. any small, freshwater fish of the genus Cottus, of the family Cottidae, having a large head with one or more spines on each side; bullhead.
2. any of numerous marine fishes of the same family.
3. (in California) a common scorpionfish, Scorpaena guttata.

sculpin

/ ˈskʌlpɪn /

noun

1. any of various fishes of the family Cottidae (bullheads and sea scorpions)

Word History and Origins

Origin of sculpin¹

First recorded in 1665–75; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of sculpin¹

C17: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

The divers remain submerged for 40 to 60 minutes, swimming among rockfish and sculpin as they collect materials at depths ranging from 40 to 70 feet.

From Seattle Times

Slowly and delicately, the new sculpin hat emerged.

From Scientific American

The golf ball-shaped cold-water fish is now on display, for a limited time, in the eelgrass area of the aquarium’s Puget Sound Fish alongside the sailfin sculpin and high cockscomb.

From Seattle Times

“Many people don’t realize how amazing and beautiful our local marine life is, and with our smaller tanks it’s frequently easier to get eye to eye with a grunt sculpin or decorated warbonnet.”

From Seattle Times

Affected species include the brown and rainbow trout, mountain whitefish and sculpins that are a food source for the larger fish.

From Seattle Times