sunfish: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal (biological), informal (figurative)
Quick answer
What does “sunfish” mean?
A large, flattened marine fish with a distinctive oval body shape.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large, flattened marine fish with a distinctive oval body shape.
Informal: a person who enjoys basking in the sun.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both use 'sunfish' identically for the fish. The metaphorical use is slightly more common in informal British English.
Connotations
Neutral for the fish. The metaphorical use implies laziness or leisure.
Frequency
Low frequency in general discourse; higher in marine biology contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “sunfish” in a Sentence
[The/A/An] sunfish [verb]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sunfish” 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
- [not used as a standard adjective]
American English
- [not used as a standard adjective]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
[not used]
Academic
Used in marine biology and zoology texts.
Everyday
Rare, except when discussing unusual sea life or humorously describing a person sunbathing.
Technical
A member of the family Molidae, characterized by a truncated body and fused vertebrae.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sunfish”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sunfish”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sunfish”
- Using 'sunfish' to refer to freshwater panfish (like bluegill), which is a North American regionalism not recognized globally. Spelling as two words: 'sun fish'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'sunfish' and 'ocean sunfish' are common names for the species Mola mola, which is also called 'moonfish' in many languages.
No, they are gentle giants that feed primarily on jellyfish and pose no threat to humans.
Their flesh is considered a delicacy in some parts of Asia (like Taiwan and Japan), but it is not commonly eaten in Western cuisines.
It is believed the name comes from their habit of basking on their sides at the ocean surface, seemingly sunbathing.
A large, flattened marine fish with a distinctive oval body shape.
Sunfish is usually formal (biological), informal (figurative) in register.
Sunfish: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsʌn.fɪʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsʌn.fɪʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[no common idioms]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
It's a fish that looks like it has been flattened by the sun.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PERSON BASKING IN THE SUN IS A SUNFISH.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary scientific distinction of the sunfish?