smallmouth bass

noun

small·​mouth bass ˈsmȯl-ˌmau̇th- 

: a black bass (Micropterus dolomieu) of clear rivers and lakes that is bronzy-green above and lighter below and has the vertex of the angle of the jaw falling below the eye

called also smallmouth, smallmouth black bass

Illustration of smallmouth bass

Examples of smallmouth bass in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Groups including the Grand Canyon Trust urge water managers to mix in deeper, cooler water to keep the Grand Canyon inhospitable to smallmouth bass. —ABC News, 22 Apr. 2026

That’s the temperature at which predatory smallmouth bass reproduce. —Brandon Loomis, AZCentral.com, 28 Feb. 2026

Cody Rugmer, Tochterman’s Fly Shop manager, will speak about his experiences fly fishing for smallmouth bass on the lower Susquehanna River. —Staff Report, Baltimore Sun, 28 Feb. 2026

Yakima River Canyon Stretching 27 miles between Ellensburg and Yakima, the Yakima River holds the coveted title of a Blue Ribbon river, recognized for its exceptional water quality and prime fishing, especially for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and smallmouth bass. —Vivian Chung, Travel + Leisure, 23 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for smallmouth bass

• candlemas
• fiberglass
• fibreglass
• hourglass
• isinglass
• lemongrass
• martinmas
• orchardgrass
• overpass
• plexiglas
• plexiglass
• sassafras

Kids Definition

smallmouth bass

noun

small·​mouth bass ˌsmȯl-ˌmau̇th- 

: a black bass that lives in clear rivers and lakes and is bronze green above and lighter below

called also smallmouth black bass