noun

lamprey

LAM-pree

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Lamprey (noun) means a long, slender, jawless fish of the order Petromyzontiformes, living in fresh and salt water, with a sucking mouth lined with rasping teeth. Example: “The lamprey attaches itself to its host using its sucking mouth.”

noun

A long, slender, jawless fish of the order Petromyzontiformes, living in fresh and salt water, with a sucking mouth lined with rasping teeth.

"The lamprey attaches itself to its host using its sucking mouth."

"Lampreys are found in both rivers and the sea."

"Fishermen sometimes find lampreys clinging to larger fish."

How to use lamprey

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA primitive, jawless fish with a sucker-like mouth.

When to use it

This is a neutral, factual term used in biology and fishing contexts.

Memory tip

Do not confuse it with limpet, a shelled sea creature that shares a distant word history but is otherwise unrelated in meaning.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

limpet →

Common pairings

sea lamprey lamprey mouth lamprey species

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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 “lamprey” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ attaches itself to its host using its sucking mouth.

Etymology

The word came into English through Middle English laumprei, from Old French lampreie, from Medieval Latin lampreda. Its earlier origin is uncertain, though it is traditionally linked to Latin words for licking and for stone.

Origin: Old French

Rhymes for lamprey

key hey bey dey ley grey they joey whey obey prey abbey

See all rhymes for lamprey →

Frequently asked questions

What is a lamprey?

It is a jawless, eel-like fish with a sucking mouth and rasping teeth, found in both fresh and salt water.

Do lampreys have jaws?

No, lampreys are jawless fish; their mouth is a sucking disc rather than a hinged jaw.

Where does the word lamprey come from?

It came into English from Old French, which took it from Medieval Latin, though the word's ultimate origin is uncertain.

What is the meaning of lamprey?

"lamprey" (noun) means a long, slender, jawless fish of the order Petromyzontiformes, living in fresh and salt water, with a sucking mouth lined with rasping teeth.