noun

flatfish

FLAT-fish

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Flatfish (noun) means a fish, such as a flounder, halibut or sole, that has both eyes on one side of its body and normally swims with its other side facing down. Example: “Plaice and turbot are both types of flatfish.”

noun

A fish, such as a flounder, halibut or sole, that has both eyes on one side of its body and normally swims with its other side facing down.

"Plaice and turbot are both types of flatfish."

"We caught two flatfish while fishing off the pier."

"Flatfish spend much of their time lying camouflaged on the seabed."

How to use flatfish

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA flatfish is a flat-bodied fish that lies on the seabed with both eyes on top.

When to use it

This is a plain, everyday word used in both cookery and marine biology.

Memory tip

The plural can be either flatfish or flatfishes.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

catch a flatfish flatfish fillet species of flatfish flatfish fishing

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “flatfish” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Plaice and turbot are both types of _____.

Etymology

Flatfish is a straightforward English compound, formed by joining flat and fish to describe the fish's unusual shape.

Origin: English

Rhymes for flatfish

catfish

See all rhymes for flatfish →

Frequently asked questions

What is a flatfish?

A flatfish is a fish such as a flounder, halibut or sole that has both eyes on one side of its head and swims with that side facing up.

Is a sole a flatfish?

Yes, sole is one of the many kinds of flatfish, along with halibut and flounder.

Why do flatfish have both eyes on one side?

Flatfish have both eyes on one side of the body because they swim and rest with the other side facing down, a feature typical of fish in the order Pleuronectiformes.

What is the meaning of flatfish?

"flatfish" (noun) means a fish, such as a flounder, halibut or sole, that has both eyes on one side of its body and normally swims with its other side facing down.