noun

plaice

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Plaice (noun) means a flatfish, especially the European species with smooth brown skin marked by red or orange spots, found in the North Sea and Irish Sea. Example: “The fishmonger had fresh plaice laid out on the ice this morning.”

noun

A flatfish, especially the European species with smooth brown skin marked by red or orange spots, found in the North Sea and Irish Sea.

"The fishmonger had fresh plaice laid out on the ice this morning."

"We ordered grilled plaice with a squeeze of lemon."

"Plaice is a familiar fish on the menu at British fish and chip shops."

How to use plaice

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA flat sea fish with a spotted brown back, often eaten as food.

When to use it

Plaice is an ordinary word used equally in cooking, fishmongers and biology.

Memory tip

It sounds exactly like the word place, but plaice always names the fish, never a location.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

place →

Common pairings

fresh plaice fillet of plaice plaice and chips grilled plaice

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

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The fishmonger had fresh _____ laid out on the ice this morning.

Etymology

Plaice was inherited from the Middle English word playce, which came from Old French plaiz, tracing back to a Late Latin word ultimately from Ancient Greek platús, meaning broad, describing the fish's flat body.

Origin: Old French

Synonyms

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plaice-fluke Dutch plaice

Rhymes for plaice

ice rice mice dice nice vice trice voice price twice juice spice

See all rhymes for plaice →

Frequently asked questions

Is plaice a type of flatfish?

Yes, plaice belongs to the righteye flounder family and is a flatfish with a broad, flat body.

Where is plaice found?

European plaice is commonly found in the North Sea and Irish Sea.

Is the plural of plaice the same as the singular?

Yes, the plural is usually plaice, though plaices is also used.

What is the meaning of plaice?

"plaice" (noun) means a flatfish, especially the European species with smooth brown skin marked by red or orange spots, found in the North Sea and Irish Sea.