Word
halibut
Phoneticshal·ibut
US/ˈhæɫəbət/
UK/hˈælɪbˌʌt/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a large, flat fish that lives in deep, cold ocean water. It is often eaten as food and is known for its white meat.
n. a large, flat-bodied marine fish of the family Halibutidae, typically found in deep, cold waters. It is a highly valued food fish, often distinguished by its asymmetrical eyes which both face to the right.
Examples
“We grilled a fresh halibut for dinner.”
“The deep-sea fishing crew spent the entire season targeting halibut in the North Atlantic.”
“While the halibut is prized for its firm, white flesh, its deep-sea habitat and slow reproductive cycle make it a species that requires careful management to prevent overfishing.”
Examples
simple
“We grilled a fresh halibut for dinner.”
contextual
“The deep-sea fishing crew spent the entire season targeting halibut in the North Atlantic.”
complex
“While the halibut is prized for its firm, white flesh, its deep-sea habitat and slow reproductive cycle make it a species that requires careful management to prevent overfishing.”
Real-World Examples
“Bake or roast halibut and serve it with cooked broccoli and brown rice.” Etymology
From Middle English *halibutt, equivalent to holy + but (“flatfish”), since the fish was often eaten on holy days. Cognate with Dutch heilbot, German Heiligbutt, Heilbutt, Heilbutte, Danish helleflynder, Swedish helgeflundra, and Norwegian Nynorsk hellefisk.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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