Word
steelhead
Phoneticssteel·head, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈstiɫˌhɛd/
UK/stˈiːlhɛd/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a large trout that lives in the ocean but swims up rivers to lay eggs. It looks and acts a lot like salmon.
n. an anadromous form of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) that lives in the Pacific Ocean and migrates into freshwater rivers to spawn. Distinguished from resident rainbow trout by its ocean-going life cycle and silvery adult coloration.
Examples
“The fisherman catches a steelhead in the cold river.”
“Each winter anglers gather on the river to catch steelhead returning from the ocean to spawn.”
“Conservationists monitor steelhead populations closely because dams and warming rivers threaten their long migration from sea to spawning grounds.”
Examples
simple
“The fisherman catches a steelhead in the cold river.”
contextual
“Each winter anglers gather on the river to catch steelhead returning from the ocean to spawn.”
complex
“Conservationists monitor steelhead populations closely because dams and warming rivers threaten their long migration from sea to spawning grounds.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “steelhead” in context.
Verb
01. catch steelhead
“Anglers travel from afar to catch steelhead in the Clearwater River.”
verb + noun
02. land steelhead
“After a twenty-minute fight, she managed to land the steelhead safely.”
verb + noun
03. protect steelhead
“New dam removals aim to protect steelhead and restore historic spawning grounds.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. anadromous steelhead
“Anadromous steelhead hatch in rivers, mature in the ocean, then return to spawn.”
adj + noun
05. hatchery steelhead
“The river was stocked with hatchery steelhead to support the recreational fishery.”
adj + noun
06. native steelhead
“Native steelhead are protected by law throughout much of their historic range.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. conservation of steelhead
“Conservation of steelhead depends on cold, connected and pollution-free rivers.”
noun + prep + noun
08. fishery for steelhead
“The fishery for steelhead supports local guides, lodges and tackle shops.”
noun + prep + noun
09. population of steelhead
“The population of steelhead has declined sharply due to habitat loss.”
noun + prep + noun
10. a spawning run of steelhead
“A spawning run of steelhead surged upriver after the heavy rains.”
11. catch and release steelhead
“Local rules require anglers to catch and release steelhead without lifting them from water.”
12. fish for winter steelhead
“We fished for winter steelhead on the Olympic Peninsula in January.”
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/steelhead