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Definition of jellyfish

jellyfish

/ˈdʒɛl.iˌfɪʃ/
jel · ly · fish
Plural:jellyfish
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jellyfish Lexical Profile

jellyfish Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A free-swimming marine invertebrate of the phylum Cnidaria, characterized by a transparent, gelatinous, bell-shaped body and trailing tentacles equipped with stinging cells.

Example

"While swimming near the shore, she was careful to avoid the translucent jellyfish drifting in the current."

Photo by Alexander Vasenin / CC BY-SA 3.0
2

A person lacking resolve, courage, or strength of character; a spineless individual.

Example

"The committee chairman turned out to be a jellyfish who folded under the slightest pressure from the corporate lobbyists."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for jellyfish

• Nearby Words

jello
jelly
jellybean
jellyfish
jellylike
jellyroll
jemima

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the late 18th century, formed as a compound of 'jelly' and 'fish', referencing the animal's translucent, gelatinous body.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Jellyfish. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/jellyfish
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