: any of several small freshwater spiny-finned sculpins (genus Cottus) of Europe and North America

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of miller's-thumb was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Miller's-thumb.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/miller%27s-thumb. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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