noun Uncommon

Goldfish

Goldfish (noun) means a small, hardy orange fish, often kept as a pet in bowls or ponds. Example: “He won a goldfish at the fairground and named it Bubbles.”

noun

A small, hardy orange fish, often kept as a pet in bowls or ponds.

"He won a goldfish at the fairground and named it Bubbles."

"Goldfish can actually live for over ten years with proper care."

How to use Goldfish

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA common orange pond or aquarium fish, popular as a first pet.

Common mistake

Contrary to popular belief, goldfish do not have a three-second memory — they can remember things for months.

Word forms

Goldfish plural, Goldfishes plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He won a _____ at the fairground and named it Bubbles.

Etymology

A straightforward compound of "gold" (its colour) and "fish," dating back centuries to when the species was bred in China.

Frequently asked questions

What does “Goldfish” mean?

The word “Goldfish” means a small, hardy orange fish, often kept as a pet in bowls or ponds. In plain terms, a common orange pond or aquarium fish, popular as a first pet.

How do you use “Goldfish” in a sentence?

Here is “Goldfish” used in a sentence: “He won a goldfish at the fairground and named it Bubbles.”

What part of speech is “Goldfish”?

“Goldfish” is a noun.

Is “Goldfish” a common word?

“Goldfish” is an uncommon word in modern English.