pickerel: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Specialized/Technical (Ichthyology, Angling)
Quick answer
What does “pickerel” mean?
A young or small pike, or any of several smaller North American freshwater fish resembling pike.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A young or small pike, or any of several smaller North American freshwater fish resembling pike.
In North American usage, 'pickerel' often refers to species in the genus Esox, distinct from pike (like the chain pickerel). In British and Canadian usage, it can sometimes refer to young pike or specific smaller species.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'pickerel' is a rare term, typically referring to a young pike. In American English, it is a standard common name for several distinct species (e.g., chain pickerel, grass pickerel).
Connotations
Connotes recreational fishing, freshwater habitats, and sometimes confusion with 'pike' or 'walleye'.
Frequency
Rare in general British vocabulary; low-medium frequency in American regions with these fish.
Grammar
How to Use “pickerel” in a Sentence
The angler caught a pickerel.Pickerel are found in weedy bays.It's a type of pickerel.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pickerel” in a Sentence
adjective
American English
- pickerel fishing
- pickerel habitat
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Used in ichthyology and freshwater ecology texts to classify specific species.
Everyday
Primarily used by anglers and people familiar with freshwater fishing in North America.
Technical
Precise usage varies; scientific names (Esox spp.) are preferred to avoid ambiguity.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “pickerel”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “pickerel”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pickerel”
- Confusing 'pickerel' with 'pike' or 'walleye'. Using 'pickerel' as a general term for any pike.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In North America, 'pickerel' refers to specific, smaller species within the pike family (Esox), such as the chain pickerel. In the UK, it usually means a young pike. The larger species like the northern pike are simply called 'pike'.
No. This is a common misconception, especially in Canada. The walleye is a perch-like fish (Sander vitreus), not a pike. 'Pickerel' is sometimes used incorrectly as a nickname for walleye in parts of Canada.
Pickerel species like the chain pickerel are native to freshwater lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams of eastern North America, often in weedy areas.
It is very rare in modern British English. The standard term for the fish is 'pike', with 'jack' sometimes used for a young one. 'Pickerel' might be encountered in older texts or very specialist contexts.
A young or small pike, or any of several smaller North American freshwater fish resembling pike.
Pickerel is usually specialized/technical (ichthyology, angling) in register.
Pickerel: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpɪk(ə)rəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpɪkərəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'PICK up a RELatively small pike' -> PICK-REL -> PICKEREL.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'pickerel' most accurately used?