gar
gar Lexical Profile
gar Game Scores & Validity
• noun
North American A large, predatory freshwater or brackish-water fish of the family Lepisosteidae, native to North and Central America, characterized by a long, heavily toothed snout and tough, diamond-shaped interlocking scales.
"While kayaking in the Louisiana bayou, she spotted a massive alligator gar lurking just beneath the water's surface."
British A marine needlefish found in the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, noted for its long, slender, eel-like body, pointed beak, and distinctively green bones.
"Local fishermen often catch gar near the rocky coasts of Cornwall during the warmer summer months."
• Rhymes for gar
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English 'gar' or 'gare', derived from Old English 'gār' meaning 'spear' or 'javelin', owing to the fish's long, pointed, spear-like snout.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.