John Dory

noun

John Do·​ry ˈjän-ˈdȯr-ē How to pronounce John Dory (audio)
plural John Dories
: a widely distributed marine food fish (Zeus faber of the family Zeidae) that is yellow to olive in color with a dark spot on each side and has an oval compressed body and long dorsal spines

Examples of John Dory in a Sentence

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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.
The cabana-style restaurant—all white rattan, sea greens and artisanal ceramics—serves simple classics such as scorpion fish all’ acqua pazza and wave-fresh John Dory before the aquamarine and indigo tie-dye of the bay. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026 The Gabriella comes to us from the John Dory Oyster Bar, which opened in the Ace Hotel in New York in 2010. — Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 22 Aug. 2026 Orchestrating the kitchens since 2024, chef Christophe Scheller spins up creative dishes using local products like freshly caught John Dory and foie gras from Les Landes. — Mary Winston Nicklin, AFAR Media, 20 Jan. 2026 The main course consisted of fillet of John Dory with black olive barigoule of artichokes. — Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for John Dory

Word History

Etymology

earlier dory, from Middle English dorre, from Anglo-French doree, literally, gilded one

First Known Use

1729, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of John Dory was in 1729

Rhymes for John Dory

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Browse Nearby Words

John Doe
John Dory
John Down
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Cite this Entry

“John Dory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/John%20Dory. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on John Dory

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about John Dory

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