Search Dictionary
Definition of squirrelfish

squirrelfish

/ˈskwɝː.əlˌfɪʃ/
squir · rel · fish
Plural:squirrelfishes
JUMP TO:

squirrelfish Lexical Profile

squirrelfish Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Any of various primarily nocturnal marine fishes of the family Holocentridae, typically characterized by bright red coloration, large eyes, and rough, spiny scales, found inhabiting tropical coral reefs.

Example

"While snorkeling at night over the Caribbean reef, we spotted a bright red squirrelfish peering cautiously out from a rocky crevice."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for squirrelfish

• Nearby Words

squirrel
squirrel corn
squirrel monkey
squirrelfish
squirrelly
squirt
squirter

Word Origin & Etymology

A compound of 'squirrel' and 'fish', named in the 18th century likely due to their disproportionately large, dark eyes resembling those of a squirrel, and their ability to produce chattering or grunting sounds when alarmed.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

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