fish ladder

noun

: a series of pools arranged like steps by which fish can pass over a dam in going upstream

Examples of fish ladder 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.
So far, the program has had promising results, with fewer sea lions lurking near the fish ladders and the outlook for Chinook improving. — Cheryl Katz, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 May 2025 This journey requires them to climb fish ladders over dams, navigate culverts diverting streams under roads, and ascend up to elevations of 7,000 feet. — Idaho Statesman, 12 June 2026 Currently, fish are unable to pass the dam due to improper hydropower operations and an ineffective fish ladder installed in 1999, Budris said. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 26 June 2025 The Bureau of Reclamation and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife acknowledged that the current fish ladders weren't built to accommodate large salmon and other migrating fish. — Debra Utacia Krol, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fish ladder

Word History

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fish ladder was in 1855

Rhymes for fish ladder

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Browse Nearby Words

fish knife
fish ladder
fish leaves
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Cite this Entry

“Fish ladder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fish%20ladder. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

fish ladder

noun
: an arrangement of pools by which fish can pass around a dam

More from Merriam-Webster on fish ladder

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fish ladder

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