spearfish

American  

[speer-fish] / ˈspɪərˌfɪʃ /

noun

plural

spearfish,

plural

spearfishes

1. any of several fishes of the genus Tetrapturus, resembling the sailfish but having the first dorsal fin much less developed: inhabiting all seas, but rare.

2. any of several related fishes.

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verb (used without object)

spearfished, spearfishing

1. to fish underwater using a spearlike implement used manually or propelled mechanically.

spearfish British  

/ ˈspɪəˌfɪʃ /

noun

1. another name for marlin

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Etymology

Origin of spearfish

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85; spear ¹ + fish

Example Sentences

The US is limited to a total recreational catch of 250 combined blue marlin, white marlin and roundscale spearfish each year.

From The Guardian • Aug. 10, 2020

Left behind on one of the Channel Islands for 18 years, she teaches herself to spearfish and tames a wild dog to help her endure the solitude.

From New York Times • Feb. 19, 2020

Many who spearfish competitively join clubs, groups of divers that compete at annual rodeos and belong to the Louisiana Council of Underwater Dive Clubs, an umbrella organization that keeps score of the yearly records.

From Washington Times • Jul. 28, 2018

Spencer, 34, is part of a small but growing group of women who spearfish competitively in southeast Louisiana, considered by many to be one of the best places in the country for this high-adrenaline pastime.

From Washington Times • Jul. 28, 2018

I click on the first result: To spearfish in Bermuda, you need a spearfishing license.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller