rainbow trout

noun

: a large stout-bodied salmonid fish (Oncorhynchus mykiss synonym Salmo gairdneri) of western North America that is related to the Pacific salmon and is typically greenish above and white on the belly with a pink, red, or lavender stripe along each side of the body and with profuse black dots compare steelhead

Illustration of rainbow trout

Illustration of rainbow trout

Examples of rainbow trout in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Fly-fishers will find an extensive stretch of Gold Medal Water (a designation for quality and trout density) in Colorado, with access to browns, brookies, cutthroats, and rainbow trout. — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 20 Aug. 2026 Besides their potential to breed bass, such warm waters also stress and kill rainbow trout. — Brandon Loomis, AZCentral.com, 14 Aug. 2026 Families picnic along the shore, and dogs hang out next to owners fishing for rainbow trout. — Jess Hoffert, Midwest Living, 5 Aug. 2026 Salmon, rainbow trout, and tuna offer similar heart-protective nutrients with a milder flavor. — Lindsey Desoto, HEALTH, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rainbow trout

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rainbow trout was in 1880

Rhymes for rainbow trout

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Browse Nearby Words

rainbow snake
rainbow trout
rainbowweed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rainbow trout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rainbow%20trout. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rainbow trout

noun
: a large trout native to western North America that usually has red or pink stripes with black dots on its sides compare steelhead

More from Merriam-Webster on rainbow trout

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rainbow trout

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