Search Dictionary
Definition of monkfish

monkfish

/ˈmʌŋk.fɪʃ/
monk · fish

Plural:monkfish
JUMP TO:

monkfish Lexical Profile

monkfish Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The edible, firm, and mildly sweet flesh of the monkfish, widely used in culinary dishes and frequently compared in texture and flavor to lobster.

Example

"The chef prepared a delicious pan-roasted monkfish served with a brown butter and lemon sauce."


2

A large, bottom-dwelling marine fish of the anglerfish family (Lophiidae), native to the coastal waters of the Atlantic Ocean, characterized by a massive flattened head, a wide mouth, and a fleshy lure used to attract prey.

Example

"The diver was startled to find a massive monkfish perfectly camouflaged against the rocky ocean floor."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for monkfish

• Rhymes for monkfish

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from Middle English 'monk' + 'fish', likely so named because the fish's large, broad head was thought to resemble a monk's cowl, or possibly because it was frequently eaten by monks.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Monkfish. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/monkfish
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.
Dictionary & Reference
© 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.