# nymph

/ˈnɪmf/ (US) · /nˈɪmf/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/nymph
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

a young female insect or spider that looks like an adult but is not yet able to reproduce. In fishing, it also refers to a small fish that is still growing.

For teachers: a young female insect or arachnid that resembles the adult form but has not yet reached sexual maturity. In a fishing context, it refers to a juvenile fish, particularly one that is still developing into a full-grown specimen.

## Examples

- The trout were feeding on the nymphs in the stream.
- Anglers often use artificial nymphs to mimic the appearance of young insects that live at the bottom of the river.
- The river's ecosystem depends on the nymph stage of various aquatic insects, which serve as a primary food source for larger fish before they emerge as adults.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.