# steelhead

/ˈstiɫˌhɛd/ (US) · /stˈiːlhɛd/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/steelhead
Updated: 2026-10-15

## Definition

a large trout that lives in the ocean but swims up rivers to lay eggs. It looks and acts a lot like salmon.

For teachers: 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.

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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.