minnow

noun

min·​now ˈmi-(ˌ)nō How to pronounce minnow (audio)
plural minnows also minnow
1
a
: a small cyprinid, killifish, or topminnow
b
: any of various small fish that are less than a designated size and are not game fish
2
: a live or artificial minnow used as bait

Examples of minnow 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.
Amid discussions about how to keep the peace in Ukraine in the event of a settlement, the government in Ireland – a military minnow focused on peacekeeping operations – put forward legislation to allow troops to be deployed without UN approval, skirting a possible Russian (or American) veto. Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2025 As many as 28 others entered the two-round two-legged playoffs, ranging from giants such as Sweden and Norway to minnows like Luxembourg and Georgia. Neel Shelat, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024 Our collections include thousands of vertebrae, teeth and scales representing both large fish and minnows. Kristi Curry Rogers, Scientific American, 1 Feb. 2024 But some of their most common prey items include minnows, crayfish, insects, and amphibians. Derek Horner, Outdoor Life, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for minnow

Word History

Etymology

Middle English menawe; akin to Old English myne minnow, Old High German munewa, a kind of fish

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of minnow was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Minnow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/minnow. Accessed 11 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

minnow

noun
min·​now ˈmin-ō How to pronounce minnow (audio)
plural minnows also minnow
: any of various small freshwater fishes (as a dace or shiner) related to the carps
also : any of various small fishes that resemble minnows

More from Merriam-Webster on minnow

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