walleye

noun

wall·​eye ˈwȯl-ˌī How to pronounce walleye (audio)
1
a
: an eye with a whitish or bluish-white iris
b
: an eye with an opaque white cornea
2
a
: strabismus in which the eye turns outward away from the nose
b
: an eye affected with strabismus of this type
3
: a large vigorous North American freshwater food and sport fish (Sander vitreus synonym Stizostedion vitreum) that has large opaque eyes and is related to the perches but resembles the true pike

called also walleyed pike

Examples of walleye in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Or join locals for walleye, pastas, or Greek dishes at Phil's Tara Hideaway Bar and Restaurant, located off of State-36. Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 28 Apr. 2026 In conjunction with Central Lakes College and Brainerd Walleye Alliance president Adam Mord, Kempe ran a creel survey on three lakes in the Brainerd area to quantify walleye catch rates by anglers using forward-facing sonar. Mike McFeely, Twin Cities, 24 Apr. 2026 Stillwater Proper is a restaurant, distillery, and cocktail bar with a menu of classics like smash burgers and locally caught walleye, all made with ingredients sourced from nearby farms. Caroline Eubanks, Travel + Leisure, 11 Apr. 2026 King is talking about thousands upon thousands of little walleyes and muskies. John Lauritsen, CBS News, 9 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for walleye

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from walleyed

First Known Use

1523, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of walleye was in 1523

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Walleye.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/walleye. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

walleye

noun
wall·​eye ˈwȯ-ˌlī How to pronounce walleye (audio)
: a large vigorous North American freshwater food and sport fish with large eyes that is related to the perches but resembles the true pike

called also walleyed pike

Medical Definition

walleye

noun
wall·​eye ˈwȯ-ˌlī How to pronounce walleye (audio)
1
a
: an eye with a bluish white iris
b
: an eye with an opaque white cornea
2
a
: strabismus in which the eye turns outward away from the nose

called also exotropia

compare cross-eye sense 1
b
walleyes -ˌlīz How to pronounce walleye (audio) plural : eyes affected with divergent strabismus

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