silverfish

noun

sil·​ver·​fish ˈsil-vər-ˌfish How to pronounce silverfish (audio)
1
: any of various silvery fishes (such as a tarpon or silverside)
2
: any of various small wingless insects (order Thysanura)
especially : one (Lepisma saccharinum) found in houses and sometimes injurious especially to sized papers or starched clothes

Examples of silverfish 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 good news is no—silverfish are not at all dangerous to humans. — Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 17 June 2026 Moths, silverfish, and carpet beetles thrive in dark, undisturbed places. — Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 May 2026 They are sold as small balls, cakes, or flakes used to control clothes moths, silverfish, and other pests that feed on wool and other natural fibers. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 1 July 2026 Elsewhere, bones were stored in plastic and paper bags and totes and boxes, often covered with black mold and silverfish, according to the book. — Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 5 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for silverfish

Word History

First Known Use

1703, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of silverfish was in 1703

Rhymes for silverfish

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Browse Nearby Words

silver fir
silverfish
silver fizz
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Silverfish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/silverfish. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

silverfish

noun
sil·​ver·​fish ˈsil-vər-ˌfish How to pronounce silverfish (audio)
: any of various small wingless insects
especially : one that is found in houses and feeds on paper products, clothing, and other starchy materials

More from Merriam-Webster on silverfish

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about silverfish

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