coho: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical / Regional / Culinary
Quick answer
What does “coho” mean?
A species of Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch), also known as silver salmon.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A species of Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch), also known as silver salmon.
The term primarily refers to the fish itself, but can also refer to its flesh as a food product. In some contexts, especially regional or commercial ones, it may denote related fishing industries or activities.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood in both varieties but is more commonly used in North American regions where the fish is native (Pacific Northwest, Alaska). In the UK, it is primarily a specialist culinary or zoological term.
Connotations
In US/Canada: evokes sport fishing, commercial fishing, Pacific Northwest cuisine, and environmental conservation discussions. In UK: primarily a gourmet food item.
Frequency
Much more frequent in American English, particularly in coastal Western states and provinces.
Grammar
How to Use “coho” in a Sentence
[N of coho] (e.g., a school of coho)[ADJ coho] (e.g., smoked coho)[V coho] (e.g., to catch coho)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coho” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not used as a verb]
American English
- [Not used as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not used as an adverb]
American English
- [Not used as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- The coho fishery is heavily regulated.
- She ordered the coho fillet.
American English
- We went coho fishing off the coast.
- This stream has a strong coho run.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In seafood import/export, restaurant supply chains.
Academic
In marine biology, ecology, fisheries management journals.
Everyday
Rare, except in regions where it is caught or consumed. 'We're having coho for dinner.'
Technical
Standard term in ichthyology, aquaculture, and environmental science.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “coho”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “coho”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coho”
- Misspelling as 'cohoo' or 'cohо'. Incorrect plural 'cohos' (acceptable but less common than 'coho' as plural). Using it as a general term for all salmon.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'coho' can be both singular and plural (like 'salmon'), though 'cohos' is also occasionally used.
It is native to the northern Pacific Ocean, from Japan and Siberia to Alaska and down the west coast of North America to California.
The word 'coho' originates from an anglicisation of the Halkomelem word 'k̓ʷəxʷəθ' or a similar Salishan language term.
Coho (silver salmon) have distinctive silver sides and dark blue backs, and they generally spend one year in freshwater before migrating to the ocean, returning to spawn after about 18 months at sea.
A species of Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch), also known as silver salmon.
Coho is usually technical / regional / culinary in register.
Coho: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkəʊhəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkoʊhoʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No established idioms]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
COHO: COmes HOme - refers to its anadromous life cycle (returns to freshwater to spawn).
Conceptual Metaphor
Often framed as a 'commodity' (resource), a 'fighter' (in sport fishing), or an 'indicator' (of ecosystem health).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary context for the word 'coho'?