Definition

Small young fish, often considered a delicacy, that are typically fried and eaten whole.

Example

We ordered a plate of whitebait as an appetizer at the seafood restaurant.

Conversation

Have you ever tried whitebait before?

No, I haven't! What does it taste like?

It's really tasty, especially when fried — super crispy!

That sounds delicious! I should definitely give whitebait a try.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Whitebait is formed from "white" (from Old English "hwita", meaning bright or light in color) and "bait" (from Old French "bait", meaning food for fish). The term refers to small, young fish that are light in color and often used as bait or food.

Memory Tip

Think of 'white' as describing something bright or light in color, and 'bait' as food for fish. This helps you remember that whitebait refers to small, light-colored fish used as food.

Visually Confused Words