What does spearfish mean?
A spearfish is a large marine fish with a long, spear-like bill, exemplified by familiar members of the billfish family such as sailfish and marlin. The name reflects both the fish's pointed bill and the practice of hunting such fish with a spear. In modern usage, spearfish most often identifies the fish themselves; spearfishing refers to the sport or method of catching them with a spear, harpoon, or similar weapon. These are fast, powerful predators and are generally encountered in warm offshore waters. The term should not be confused with swordfish, which belongs to a different family and has a noticeably different body shape, particularly in its lack of pelvic fins. Although spearfishing now has a recreational dimension, it also describes a traditional and commercial fishing method with a long history.
Any of several large predatory marine fishes with elongated, spear-like bills, particularly members of the family Istiophoridae.
"The guide identified the distant shape as a spearfish."
To catch fish using a spear or harpoon.
"They dove to spearfish in the shallow reef."
Both forms are used; spearfish is especially common in general and sporting contexts, while spearfishes is often preferred when referring individually to multiple members of the group.
"Several spearfishes followed the bait near the surface."
A spearfish carries its spear in its head, turning speed and precision into a natural harpoon.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does spearfish come from?
Spearfish is a compound formed in English from spear and fish. Spear itself comes from Old English spere, related to words such as German Speer, while fish has common Germanic ancestry with Dutch vis and German Fisch. The compound originally referred to the practice of catching fish with a spear and was later also used as a name for elongated-billed fishes resembling a spear.
Related word forms
How spearfish is actually used
As a noun, spearfish is sometimes used broadly for billfish, although its taxonomic application varies. As a verb, spearfish is less common than spearfishing and may sound traditional, technical, or regional.
Easily confused with spearfish
Spearfish belong to the family Istiophoridae and have pelvic fins, whereas swordfish belong to the separate family Xiphiorhidae and lack pelvic fins.