1. Plural of grilse; young salmon that have returned to fresh water after one year at sea.
Usage: Chiefly used in fishing and ichthyology contexts.; A grilse is smaller than a full-grown salmon.

Examples

• The river was full of grilses returning from the ocean in early summer.
• Anglers often target grilses because they are more abundant than larger salmon.
• The hatchery released thousands of grilses into the stream.
• Grilses typically weigh between 4 and 8 pounds when they return to fresh water.