What does halibut mean?
Halibut is the common name for large marine flatfish, particularly the Pacific and Atlantic halibut. These fish have broad, flattened bodies, with both eyes located on one side of the head, an adaptation that lets them hunt and rest on the seafloor. Their mild, firm white flesh makes them important in many cuisines, where it may be grilled, baked, steamed, poached, or fried. The term can denote the fish generally or serve as a culinary term for its flesh. “Pacific halibut” and “Atlantic halibut” distinguish two related but separate commercial species, while “halibut cheeks” refers to a particularly prized cut from the fish's head. Although a flatfish, a halibut is not the same fish as a turbot or sole. The word is familiar in British and American English, with regional use often determining which species the unqualified term suggests.
nounA large marine flatfish with a broad, flattened body, especially the commercially important Pacific halibut and Atlantic halibut. Its firm white flesh is highly valued as food.
- A large marine flatfish, especially the Pacific halibut or Atlantic halibut, valued for its edible white flesh.
- A fish of this kind, especially when prepared as food.
"She baked the halibut with lemon, herbs, and a light covering of breadcrumbs."
"Fresh halibut is often served grilled or baked with a simple sauce."
"The fishing vessel returned with several halibut and a catch of smaller fish."
The traditional plural is unchanged. “Halibuts” is also used, especially when referring to a catch comprising multiple fish.
"The fishermen landed two halibut before the storm arrived."
A halibut's flat body is an adaptation for life on the seafloor, where its speckled underside can blend into sand and rock.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does halibut come from?
The word is recorded in Middle English and is generally analyzed as a compound of an element meaning “halibut” with but, an old English word associated with flat fish. Its development reflects the English and North Sea fishing vocabulary used for large, valuable commercial species. The modern spelling and pronunciation have remained broadly stable since the Middle English period.
How halibut is actually used
The unqualified word may refer to different commercially important species according to the fishery and region. In North American usage, “halibut” often means Pacific halibut, while “Atlantic halibut” identifies the related North Atlantic species.
Easily confused with halibut
Both are prized flatfish, but halibut belongs to the family Hippoglossidae, while turbot belongs to the family Scophthalmidae.