# pelagic

/pəˈɫædʒɪk/ (US) · /pɛlˈædʒɪk/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pelagic
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

about the open sea, far away from land and the bottom of the sea. You use it to describe fish and birds that live in that open water.

For teachers: relating to the open ocean, away from coastal waters and the seabed. Applies to fish, birds, and other organisms that live in the upper water column of the open sea.

## Examples

- Tuna are pelagic fish that live in the open sea.
- The fishermen leave the coast early to catch pelagic species like mackerel in deeper waters.
- Unlike bottom-dwelling species, pelagic sharks roam vast stretches of open water, following shifting currents and schools of prey across entire ocean basins.

## Usage notes

- Typically placed before the noun it modifies.

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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.