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sparling

sparling

9.9
A small silvery fish found in the sea and rivers of northern Europe
  • noun
  • UK
translation icon : esmelte
  • Local fishermen still catch sparling during the early spring runs in the estuary.

Examples

  • Populations of sparling have declined in some rivers due to pollution and habitat loss.

  • The sparling is prized for its delicate flavor and traditional use in European cuisine.

  • The sparling swims gracefully in the river.

  • I caught a sparling during my fishing trip.

  • Local fishermen still catch sparling during the early spring runs in the estuary.

  • Populations of sparling have declined in some rivers due to pollution and habitat loss.

  • The sparling is prized for its delicate flavor and traditional use in European cuisine.

Synonyms

smelt
vssparling
6 5.8

A small silvery fish that moves between sea and rivers to lay eggs

is restricted to the species found specifically in northern Europe
Osmerus eperlanus
vssparling
  • Specialized
9.9

A small silver fish that lives in rivers and along northern European coasts

is the common small silvery fish name rather than the formal scientific label
European smelt
vssparling
  • UK
7.1

A small thin silver fish found in European rivers and coasts with a mild taste

is the strict species term rather than a culinary or taste description

Surface Forms

sparling singular
sparlings plural

Etymology

Sparling may come from a word like sparkle, because these small fish shine in the water. So a sparling is easy to remember as a tiny, silvery fish that looks like a little 'spark' as it swims.