sunfish

1 of 2

noun

sun·​fish ˈsən-ˌfish How to pronounce sunfish (audio)
1
: ocean sunfish
2
: any of numerous North American freshwater bony fishes (family Centrarchidae, especially genus Lepomis) usually with a deep compressed body and metallic luster

Sunfish

2 of 2

trademark

—used for a small light sailboat that has one sail

Examples of sunfish 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.
Noun
However, amazingly this is the third record set in the last month for this beautiful sunfish. — Michael Guise, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026 Examples include the genetically distinct Black River walleye and numerous minnows, sunfishes and darter species that are unique to specific streams. — David Duvernell, The Conversation, 24 Aug. 2026 Highlights include astonishing wildlife moments like orcas carrying a humpback whale calf together after separating it from its mother and the unexpected encounter between a freediver and a giant oceanic sunfish. — Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026 Anglers can fish for catfish, bass, and sunfish, while Beason’s Park offers easy river access, walking trails, picnic areas, and plenty of shade for anyone who’d rather keep both feet on dry land. — Jill Robbins, Southern Living, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sunfish

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1630, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sunfish was circa 1630

Phrases Containing sunfish

Rhymes for sunfish

See All Rhymes for sunfish

Browse Nearby Words

sunfast
sunfish
Sunfish
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Cite this Entry

“Sunfish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sunfish. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sunfish

noun
sun·​fish ˈsən-ˌfish How to pronounce sunfish (audio)
1
: a very large sea fish that is flattened from side to side and has long fins and a small mouth
2
: any of a family of North American freshwater fishes that are related to the perches, are often brightly colored, and usually have a body that is flattened from side to side

More from Merriam-Webster on sunfish

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sunfish

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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