king salmon
2
3.5
- noun
- /kɪŋ ˈsælmən/
- US
- Anglers travel to Alaska every year hoping to catch a massive king salmon.
- wild king salmon
- pound king salmon
- caught a king salmon
Examples
-
The chef prepared a delicious dish featuring king salmon served with fresh vegetables.
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After spawning in the river, the king salmon naturally dies, completing its life cycle.
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The chef prepared grilled king salmon with a lemon-dill sauce for the special dinner.
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I had a delicious king salmon for dinner last night.
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The king salmon is known for its rich flavor.
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During the fishing tournament, he proudly showcased his largest catch, a magnificent king salmon weighing over 15 pounds.
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We often enjoy grilled king salmon on summer evenings by the lake, paired with a crisp salad.
Synonyms
3
8.0
A large salmon from the Pacific Ocean often eaten as food
1
4.6
A large Pacific fish eaten as food that dies after laying eggs
1
9.9
A large Pacific salmon called king salmon that people eat and that lays eggs and then dies
A large Pacific fish eaten for its rich meat that lays eggs and then dies
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase is a straightforward compound of 'king' (denoting the foremost/largest or best) and 'salmon' (the fish), so its meaning as a particular, large/valued type of salmon is directly inferable. This follows a common naming pattern (e.g., 'king crab', 'rock salmon') and would be understandable to a B1 learner who knows both constituents.
Etymology
The name king salmon comes from this fish being the biggest and most prized of the salmon family, like a king among salmon. People saw that adults often 'die' after returning to rivers to lay eggs, and the royal image is why the name now means this large Pacific species.