Search Dictionary
Definition of inanga

inanga

/ɪˈnɑːŋɡə/
i · nan · ga
Plural:inanga
JUMP TO:

inanga Lexical Profile

inanga Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

New Zealand A small, slender freshwater fish (Galaxias maculatus) native to New Zealand, Australia, and parts of South America, the juveniles of which form the majority of the traditional whitebait catch.

Example

"During the spring migration, fishers line the riverbanks with nets to catch the juvenile inanga as they swim upstream from the sea."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for inanga

Word Nuance & Usage

In New Zealand English, Māori loanwords like 'inanga' generally do not take an 's' in their plural form. While the adult fish is called inanga, its juvenile stage is the primary species colloquially known and consumed as 'whitebait'.

• Rhymes for inanga

• Nearby Words

inalienable
inane
inanely
inanga
inanimate
inanity
inapplicable

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed directly into New Zealand English from the Māori word 'īnanga'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Inanga. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/inanga
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.