What does pollack mean?
Pollack is a chiefly British name for a North Atlantic fish of the cod family, also known as the saithe or coley. It has a slender, elongated body and is generally valued for firm, pale meat. In British usage, the spelling pollack is traditional, while pollock is also widely used; many American dictionaries chiefly prefer pollock for the same fish. The two names can therefore appear in recipes, menus, and fisheries literature without indicating different species. Pollack is closely related to haddock and other members of the cod family, rather than being a true pollock of the Pacific Ocean. Although commercially important in northern European and North Atlantic fisheries, it is less familiar to many speakers than cod or haddock. The word is especially useful for recognizing British spellings and for distinguishing the North Atlantic fish from the similarly named Pacific species.
nounA cod-like marine fish of the North Atlantic, also called the saithe or coley. It belongs to the cod family and is closely related to haddock.
- A North Atlantic marine fish of the cod family, also called the saithe or coley.
"Fresh pollack served with lemon and herbs made an excellent evening meal."
"The fishmonger recommended pollack for its firm texture and delicate flavor."
"Pollack is often used in traditional fish dishes and may be sold fresh or frozen."
The plural is used when referring to more than one fish, especially in fisheries or biological contexts.
"Several pollacks were caught off the coast."
One fish, two spellings: pollack is the familiar chiefly British form of a fish also known as the saithe.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pollack come from?
Pollack is an older chiefly British spelling of pollock, and both forms have long been used for the same North Atlantic fish. The word appears in early modern English in connection with northern European fishing and trade. Its precise ultimate origin is not securely established, although the older form pollock is commonly associated with a Dutch source.
How pollack is actually used
The spelling is most common in British English. American dictionaries commonly use pollock, although pollack may also appear as a variant spelling.
Easily confused with pollack
Pollack is chiefly a British spelling of pollock; in most English usage the two words refer to the same North Atlantic fish rather than to different species.