Definition of minnows:
(n) :
Any small fish.
(n) :
The common minnow (Phoxinus phoxinus), a small freshwater fish of the carp family Cyprinidae which has a green back with black elongated blotches, commonly swimming in large shoals.
(n) :
Chiefly with a qualifying word: any of a number of other (small) fish from the family Cyprinidae; also (chiefly US), other small (usually freshwater) fish from other families.
(n) :
(figuratively) A person or thing of relatively little consequence, importance, or value.
(n) :
(sports, especially soccer, cricket) a team that is considered less skilled and not expected to win many, if any, of its matches.
(n) :
(fishing) An artificial bait in the form of a small fish.