# whiting

/ˈhwaɪtɪŋ/ (US) · /wˈaɪtɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/whiting
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a small sea fish with white meat that people often eat. It is common in the Atlantic Ocean and is related to cod.

For teachers: a common food fish of the North Atlantic, Merlangius merlangus, belonging to the cod family. Often used to refer to various other similar white-fleshed fish in different regions.

## Examples

- The restaurant serves fresh whiting with a side of lemon.
- Local fishermen reported a significant increase in the whiting population during the colder winter months.
- While often overshadowed by cod or haddock, whiting remains a staple of sustainable seafood menus due to its delicate texture and abundance in European coastal waters.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable when referring to the meat as food; countable when referring to the individual fish or species.

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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.