lungfish

noun

lung·​fish ˈləŋ-ˌfish How to pronounce lungfish (audio)
: any of an order (Dipnoi) of bony fishes that breathe by a modified swim bladder as well as gills

Illustration of lungfish

Illustration of lungfish

Examples of lungfish 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.
The gene is normally active in a specific location in the developing limb, as well as the fin of the Australian lungfish. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 14 Aug. 2024 Amazingly, lungfish can remain in estivation for multiple years if water levels don’t return. Scott Travers, Forbes, 15 Sep. 2024 Among fish, lungfish are the closest relatives to humans. Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Aug. 2024 The South American lungfish, meanwhile, has much weaker controls. Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lungfish 

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lungfish was in 1883

Dictionary Entries Near lungfish

Cite this Entry

“Lungfish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lungfish. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

lungfish

noun
lung·​fish ˈləŋ-ˌfish How to pronounce lungfish (audio)
: any of various fishes that breathe with structures resembling lungs as well as with gills

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