noun
burbot
BUR-buht
Burbot (noun) means a freshwater fish, Lota lota, related to the ling and the cusk, which spawns during winter. Example: “The fishermen set their lines under the ice hoping for burbot.”
noun
1
A freshwater fish, Lota lota, related to the ling and the cusk, which spawns during winter.
"The fishermen set their lines under the ice hoping for burbot."
"Burbot are unusual among freshwater fish because they spawn in winter."
"The lake still holds a healthy population of burbot."
How to use burbot
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA burbot is a freshwater fish that breeds in the cold of winter, unlike most other fish.
When to use it
It is a plain, factual term used mainly in fishing and natural history contexts.
Memory tip
Do not confuse burbot with turbot, a different, unrelated flatfish.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
catch burbot
burbot fishing
ice fishing for burbot
burbot liver
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The fishermen set their lines under the ice hoping for _____.
Etymology
The word was borrowed from French barbote, which itself comes from the Latin barba, meaning beard. It replaced the older native word eelpout.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for burbot
See all rhymes for burbot →Frequently asked questions
What is a burbot fish?
It is a freshwater fish, Lota lota, that resembles the ling and the cusk and is unusual for spawning in winter.
Why is burbot called lawyer fish?
It has long been known by the folk names lake lawyer and lawyer, though the grounding does not explain the reasoning behind the nickname.
Where does the word burbot come from?
It comes from the French word barbote, ultimately from the Latin word for beard, barba.
What is the meaning of burbot?
"burbot" (noun) means a freshwater fish, Lota lota, related to the ling and the cusk, which spawns during winter.
