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Definition of steelhead

steelhead

/ˈstiːl.hed/
steel · head
Plural:steelhead
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steelhead Lexical Profile

steelhead Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

North American An anadromous (ocean-going) form of the rainbow trout native to the cold-water tributaries of the Pacific Ocean in North America and Asia, distinguished by its larger size and silvery, metallic appearance.

Example

"After spending several years feeding in the ocean, the steelhead returns to its natal river to spawn."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for steelhead

Word Nuance & Usage

Biologically, a steelhead and a rainbow trout are the exact same species; the distinction is entirely behavioral, as steelhead migrate to the ocean while rainbow trout remain in freshwater.

• Nearby Words

steed
steel
steele
steelhead
steeliness
steelmaker
steelmaking

Word Origin & Etymology

Originated in North America in the late 19th century, named for the metallic, steely blue-gray color of the fish's head and back when it returns from the ocean to spawn.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Steelhead. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 6, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/steelhead
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