# shoal

/ʃˈəʊl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/shoal
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

a large group of fish swimming together in a tight, moving line. You often see them in the ocean or a lake.

For teachers: a large group of fish swimming together in a coordinated formation. Often used in the context of marine biology or fishing.

## Examples

- The fishermen saw a large shoal of sardines.
- The boat moved slowly through the shoal of silver fish that were feeding near the surface.
- The migration of the shoal is a spectacular sight, as thousands of individuals move in perfect synchrony to reach their spawning grounds.

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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.