Search Dictionary
Definition of killifish

killifish

/ˈkɪl.iˌfɪʃ/
Plural:killifish
JUMP TO:

killifish Lexical Profile

killifish Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

North American A small, hardy fish commonly used as live bait by coastal anglers in North America.

Example

"We bought a bucket of killifish from the local tackle shop before heading out to catch flounder."

2

Any of numerous small, often brightly colored, oviparous fishes of the order Cyprinodontiformes, found in shallow fresh, brackish, or salt waters across the Americas, Africa, and Asia, and frequently kept in aquariums.

Example

"The biologist studied how the desert killifish manages to survive in isolated, highly saline pools."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for killifish

• Nearby Words

killdeer
killer
killer whale
killifish
killing
kiln
kilo

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Dutch word 'kil', meaning a small stream or channel, combined with the English word 'fish', referring to their typical shallow-water habitats.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Killifish. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 1, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/killifish
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.