Search Dictionary
Definition of shad

shad

/ʃæd/
shad
Plural:shad
JUMP TO:

shad Lexical Profile

shad Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A herring-like marine fish (family Clupeidae, primarily genus Alosa) found along the coasts of North America and Europe, known for migrating up freshwater rivers to spawn and highly valued for its flesh and roe.

Example

"Every spring, anglers eagerly await the annual shad run as the fish migrate up the Delaware River."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for shad

Word Nuance & Usage

The plural form is typically 'shad' when referring to the fish collectively or as a food source, though 'shads' is occasionally used when discussing multiple distinct species.

• Rhymes for shad

• Nearby Words

shabby
shack
shackle
shad
shaddock
shade
shadeless

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'sceadd', a word of uncertain origin, possibly related to Old Irish 'scatān' or Scottish Gaelic 'sgadan', both meaning 'herring'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

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