noun

halibut

HA-lih-buht

Halibut (noun) means a large flatfish prized as food, found in cold northern waters. Example: “The chef pan-seared the halibut with lemon and capers.”

noun

A large flatfish prized as food, found in cold northern waters.

"The chef pan-seared the halibut with lemon and capers."

"Halibut can grow to enormous sizes on the ocean floor."

How to use halibut

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA big, flat, mild-tasting fish popular in cooking.

Common pairings

grilled halibut halibut fillet Pacific halibut

Word forms

halibuts plural, halibut plural

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The chef pan-seared the _____ with lemon and capers.

Etymology

From Middle English, combining "holy" and an old word for flatfish — because it was traditionally eaten on holy days.

Origin: Middle English

Frequently asked questions

What does “halibut” mean?

The word “halibut” means a large flatfish prized as food, found in cold northern waters. In plain terms, a big, flat, mild-tasting fish popular in cooking.

How do you pronounce “halibut”?

“Halibut” is pronounced HA-lih-buht (/ˈhæ.lɪ.bət/ in IPA).

How do you use “halibut” in a sentence?

Here is “halibut” used in a sentence: “The chef pan-seared the halibut with lemon and capers.”

What part of speech is “halibut”?

“Halibut” is a noun.

Where does the word “halibut” come from?

The word “halibut” comes from Middle English. From Middle English, combining "holy" and an old word for flatfish — because it was traditionally eaten on holy days.