Word
fishes
Phoneticsfish·es
US/ˈfɪʃəz/
UK/fˈɪʃɪz/
Definitions
01multiple species
n. more than one kind or species of fish.
n. the plural form of 'fish' used specifically when referring to multiple species or distinct biological groups.
“The scientist is studying the different fishes found in the coral reef.”
“The researcher's monograph categorises the various tropical fishes inhabiting the Indo-Pacific region according to their dietary requirements.”
Technical
Usage
In everyday English, 'fish' is the standard plural for multiple individuals; 'fishes' is reserved for scientific contexts involving different species.
Pitfall
I saw three fishes in the bowl.
I saw three fish in the bowl.
Use 'fish' for multiple individuals of the same kind. Use 'fishes' only when talking about different species.
03the zodiac sign
n. another name for the star sign Pisces.
n. a literal translation or alternative name for the constellation and zodiacal sign Pisces.
“In old books, the constellation Pisces is sometimes called the Fishes.”
“The ancient manuscript depicts the Fishes as two celestial creatures bound together by a silken cord, representing the constellation Pisces.”
Literary
Synonyms
Idioms
sleep with the fishes — To be dead, with one's corpse disposed of in a body of water.
Domain
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/fishes