mahimahi

IPA/mˌahɪmˈɑːhɪ/
IPA/mˌæhɪmˈɑːhi/

mahimahi — noun

1. a fast-swimming fish from warm seas, known for its bright colors and often caugh

1.nounC1
Definition

a fast-swimming fish from warm seas, known for its bright colors and often caught to eat

Example

Asher saw a bright blue mahimahi leap beside the tour boat.

The crew hauled a mahimahi onto the deck after a long fight.

catch a mahimahi / onto the deck

Common collocations
  • catch a mahimahi
  • mahimahi fishing
  • mahimahi season
Synonyms
  • dolphinfish

    the standard reference name for the same fish, used more in technical or factual writing

  • dorado

    another name for the same fish, often used in sport-fishing or regional contexts

Usage Note

Usually refers to the fish in the water or a whole fish after it is caught. In restaurant English, speakers often shift to sense 2 when they mean the meat on a plate.

2. the firm meat from this fish, served as food in fillets, tacos, and other cooked

2.nounC1
Definition

the firm meat from this fish, served as food in fillets, tacos, and other cooked dishes

Example

Anna ordered grilled mahimahi with rice and mango salsa.

collocation: grilled mahimahi

The chef served mahimahi tacos with lime at the beach cafe.

collocation: mahimahi tacos

Common collocations
  • grilled mahimahi
  • blackened mahimahi
  • mahimahi tacos
  • mahimahi fillet

Usage Note

Usually uncountable when you mean the meat that people eat. Add a portion word such as fillet or piece if you need to count servings.

Common Mistakes

I ate a mahimahi for lunch.
I ate mahimahi for lunch.' or 'I ate a mahimahi fillet for lunch.
Use the food sense as an uncountable noun unless you add a portion word.