halibut
noun
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Among the different kinds of fish found in the world’s oceans is a group called the flatfish. Flatfish are well named, for they have flattened bodies with both eyes on the upper side of the head. In Middle English the word for flatfish was butte. During the Middle Ages, fish was often eaten on holy days in place of meat. The most popular fish for the holy days was the largest variety of flatfish, or “butte.” Thus, this particular fish came to be called in Middle English halybutte, meaning literally “holy flatfish,” from haly, a form of holy, and butte. In modern English the spelling has been changed to halibut.
Examples of halibut in a Sentence
Jesse Ashlock, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 May 2024
The fish recipe couldn’t be simpler, which Alison and I agree is the right move for halibut.
—Bon Appétit, 3 May 2024
The menu features 200-plus seafood items, including halibut, salmon, sushi-grade tuna, prawns, lobster and Dungeness crab — much of it caught by the restaurant’s own fishing fleet.
—Jerry Rice, Orange County Register, 25 Feb. 2024
The kitchen prides itself on making appealing soups; recent days have seen a Seafood Chowder with salmon and halibut and a Chicken Won-Ton Soup.
—Kate Bradshaw, The Mercury News, 20 Feb. 2024
Cod, halibut, and sea bass all work wonderfully as the starring protein.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Apr. 2024
And something about the pairing of a piece of Maine halibut with walnut vinaigrette and cranberry compote feels quintessentially New England.
—Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Feb. 2024
This halibut sandwich was given Nashville's spiciest finish.
—Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 20 Mar. 2024
For the main course, lamb, duck and halibut dishes are available to order, and a range of dessert selections will end the meal.
—Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2024
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Dictionary Entries Near halibut
Cite this Entry
“Halibut.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/halibut. Accessed 11 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
halibut
noun
Middle English halybutte, literally, "holy flatfish," from haly "holy" and butte "flatfish"; so called from the fact it was regularly eaten on holy days
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