# shad

/ˈʃæd/ (US) · /ʃˈæd/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

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

## Definition

a type of fish that is similar to a salmon. It is known for swimming upstream to lay its eggs.

For teachers: any of several species of fish of the genus Alosa, belonging to the herring family. Characterised by an anadromous life cycle, where adults migrate from the ocean to freshwater to spawn.

## Examples

- The local fishermen caught a large shad in the river.
- During the spring migration, the shad can be seen swimming upstream in large schools to reach their spawning grounds.
- While the shad is often overshadowed by its more famous cousin, the salmon, it plays a vital role in the aquatic ecosystem by providing a significant food source for larger predators.

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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.