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Definition of eel

eel

/iːl/
eel

Plural:eels
•
Adjective:eely
•
Past Simple:eeled
•
Past Participle:eeled
•
Present Participle:eeling
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eel Lexical Profile

eel Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Any of various elongated, snakelike ray-finned fishes of the order Anguilliformes, typically having smooth, slimy skin without pelvic fins and living in marine or freshwater habitats worldwide.

Example

"A large moray eel peered out from a rocky crevice along the coral reef."


2

The rich, oily flesh of an eel prepared as food, widely consumed smoked, stewed, jellied, or grilled in European and East Asian cuisines.

Example

"Grilled freshwater eel glazed with sweet soy sauce is a popular summer delicacy in Japan."

• verb

1

To fish for or catch eels, typically using traps, pots, or spears.

Example

"The local fishermen spent the early morning eeling in the shallow coastal marshes."


2

To move or wriggle smoothly and sinuously like an eel.

Example

"He eeled his way through the narrow gap in the fence."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for eel

• Rhymes for eel

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from Old English 'ǣl', from Proto-Germanic '*ēlaz', making it cognate with German 'Aal' and Dutch 'aal'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Eel. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 6, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/eel
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