# Parr

/ˈpɑɹ/ (US) · /pˈɑː/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/parr
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a young salmon or trout that is still living in a river and has dark marks on its sides. It is a specific stage in the fish's life before it moves to the sea.

For teachers: a young salmonid fish during the freshwater stage of its life cycle, specifically between the fry and smolt stages. Characterised by vertical dark bars, known as parr marks, along the flanks.

## Examples

- The small parr swam quickly between the river stones.
- Fishermen are often reminded to release any parr they catch to ensure the salmon population can reach maturity.
- During the parr stage, the juvenile salmon develops territorial behaviours and distinctive camouflage markings that protect it from predators in the shallow riverbed.

## Usage notes

- The plural form can be either 'parr' or 'parrs', though 'parr' is more common in technical biological contexts.

---

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.