Meaning
A large flatfish of the genus Hippoglossus, which sometimes leaves the ocean floor and swims vertically.
Etymology
Origin: Middle English
From Middle English halibut, equivalent to holy + butt (“flatfish”), since the fish was often eaten on holy days. Cognate with Dutch heilbot, German Heiligbutt, Heilbutt, Heilbutte, Danish helleflynder, Swedish helgeflundra, and Norwegian Nynorsk hellefisk.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
holibutfish
NYT Puzzle Appearances
Accepted in 2 recorded puzzles, including a pangram: