steelhead

noun

steel·​head ˈstēl-ˌhed How to pronounce steelhead (audio)
plural steelhead also steelheads
: an anadromous rainbow trout

called also steelhead trout

Examples of steelhead 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.
For instance, a fish passage around Kletzsch Dam in Glendale has opened up 54 miles of river for prized fish like salmon and steelhead to move upstream and spawn. — Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 6 Aug. 2026 See It The browns are joined by king and silver salmon, steelhead, and even lake trout — plus an errant Atlantic salmon or two from Michigan’s tiny plantings of these fish. — Tom Opre, Outdoor Life, 2 July 2026 The Boise River float season remains on hold in part because the Bureau of Reclamation is releasing water at around 2,000 cubic feet per second to support salmon and steelhead migration, well above the ideal 1,300 cfs for floating. — Chadd Cripe. Produced With Ai Assistance, Idaho Statesman, 16 June 2026 That’s because the steelhead here are endangered, at both the state and federal levels. — Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for steelhead

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1882, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of steelhead was circa 1882

Rhymes for steelhead

See All Rhymes for steelhead

Browse Nearby Words

steel hand
steelhead
steelie
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Steelhead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/steelhead. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

steelhead

noun
steel·​head ˈstē(ə)l-ˌhed How to pronounce steelhead (audio)
plural steelhead also steelheads
: a rainbow trout that migrates to the sea to mature and returns to rivers to breed

called also steelhead trout

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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