Definition

A young Atlantic salmon that has returned from the sea to freshwater for the first time after spending a winter in the ocean.

Example

The fisherman caught a grilse while fishing in the river.

Conversation

Have you ever seen a grilse in the river during salmon season?

Yeah, I spotted a few last year; they were so lively!

I heard they have a unique journey back to their spawning grounds.

Absolutely, it's fascinating how the grilse navigate back home.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

The word 'grilse' originates from Old Norse 'grisl', meaning a young salmon or a small fish. It specifically refers to a young salmon that has recently migrated from freshwater to the sea.

Memory Tip

Think of a young salmon, as 'grilse' refers to this small fish that has just moved to the sea.

Visually Confused Words