trout

noun

ˈtrau̇t How to pronounce trout (audio)
plural trout also trouts
1
: any of various salmonid food and sport fishes that are mostly smaller than the typical salmons and are anadromous or restricted to cool clear fresh water:
a
: any of various Old or New World fishes (genera Salmo, Salvelinus, and Oncorhynchus) compare brown trout, rainbow trout
b
: char entry 1
2
: any of various fishes (such as the largemouth bass) held to resemble the true trouts

Examples of trout in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Agencies today balance irrigation and development needs with the water quality and temperature needed by endangered and threatened fish, ranging from winter run Chinook salmon and Central Valley Steelhead trout to diminutive delta and longfin smelt. — Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026 Anglers often congregate at Eagle Point Fishing Camp, where the bay’s crosscurrents attract redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and more. — Gabi De La Rosa, Southern Living, 29 July 2026 For fish lovers both a pan-seared salmon and trout almondine are on offer. — Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 It is derived from purified DNA fragments extracted most commonly from salmon, and sometimes from certain trout. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for trout

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English trūht, from Late Latin trocta, tructa, a fish with sharp teeth, from Greek trōktēs, literally, gnawer, from trōgein to gnaw — more at troglodyte

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of trout was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing trout

Rhymes for trout

See All Rhymes for trout

Browse Nearby Words

trousseau
trout
troutbird
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Cite this Entry

“Trout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trout. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

trout

noun
ˈtrau̇t How to pronounce trout (audio)
plural trout also trouts
1
: any of various edible fishes that are mostly smaller than the related salmons, are restricted to cool clear fresh water or spend time at sea before returning to fresh water to breed, and are often speckled with dark colors
2
: any of various fishes that resemble the true trouts

More from Merriam-Webster on trout

Nglish: Translation of trout for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about trout

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