: any of various fishes (family Syngnathidae) that are related to the seahorses and have a tube-shaped snout and a long slender body covered with bony plates

Illustration of pipefish

Illustration of pipefish

Examples of pipefish 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.
Dramatic sergeant major fish, angelfish, pipefish and flying gurnards share the water with charming manatees, elegant spotted eagle rays and green sea turtles. John Oseid, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025 Male pipefish that were less interested in the pipefish mothers were less nurturing toward their young, investing fewer resources in them. Kristen Rogers, CNN, 19 June 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1769, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pipefish was in 1769

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Cite this Entry

“Pipefish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pipefish. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

: any of various long slender fishes that are related to the sea horses and have a tube-shaped snout and a body covered with bony plates

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