What does fish mean?
Fish is a common English noun for an aquatic vertebrate, including familiar animals such as salmon, tuna, and goldfish. It can also refer collectively to fish as food, giving rise to expressions such as a fish market or fresh fish. The related verb fish means to search for or try to obtain something, often information, opportunities, or hidden items; in this use it can carry a slightly furtive or persistent connotation. Fish is unusual because its plural is the same as its singular: one fish becomes fish. The word also has an informal, somewhat dated use for a foolish or eccentric person. In ordinary speech, fish can mean the animal, the food, or even a person being treated as odd or incompetent, depending on context. Its simple pronunciation and flexible grammatical use make it one of the most familiar and useful words in English.
An aquatic vertebrate that breathes through gills and typically has fins and a tail. The word can also refer to fish considered collectively as food.
"The fishermen returned with a basket full of fish."
Normally used with the unchanged plural fish. Fishes is possible in formal contexts or when referring to different kinds.
To search for or try to obtain something, especially information, an opportunity, or a hidden item; to rummage through a place with that purpose.
"He fished through the documents for references to the old agreement."
Often implies persistence, careful searching, or an indirect approach.
Fish has the same form in the singular and plural: one fish, many fish. Fishes is a formal or less usual alternative, especially when different kinds are being discussed.
"There were dozens of fish in the clear water."
Fish is one of the few everyday English nouns whose plural is exactly the same: one fish, many fish.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of fish
English fish descends from Old English fisc, a Germanic noun inherited from Proto-Germanic *fiskaz. It is cognate with forms in several modern Germanic languages, including German Fisch, Dutch vis, and Scandinavian forms such as fisk. The meaning has remained broadly stable over the centuries, while later forms such as fishing, fishery, and fisherman were developed from the same root.
Related word forms
How fish is actually used
The plural is normally unchanged: fish, not normally fishes, though fishes is used formally or when referring to different kinds. As a verb, fish can suggest an indirect or probing search. The noun meaning a foolish or eccentric person is informal and dated.
Easily confused with fish
A fish is an aquatic animal, whereas a fist is a closed hand.