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noun

halibut

HA-lih-buht
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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
1
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
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Word forms

Plural
halibuts
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

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

holibut

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.