anchovy

noun

an·​cho·​vy ˈan-ˌchō-vē 

an-ˈchō-vē

plural anchovies or anchovy

: any of a family (Engraulidae) of small fishes resembling herrings that includes several (such as Engraulis encrasicolus) that are important food fishes used especially in appetizers, as a garnish, and for making sauces and relishes

Examples of anchovy in a Sentence

a salad topped with garlic and anchovies

Recent Examples on the Web

Rafael Nadal, a two-time Wimbledon champion and one of the most successful tennis players of all time, recently revealed that his go-to breakfast is toast with anchovies. — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2026

As temperatures rise, nutrient-rich waters become less productive, affecting plankton that support baitfish such as anchovies, sardines and other forage species. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 2 July 2026

Tonnato being the absurdly delicious — and absurdly simple — sauce of tuna, mayonnaise, capers and anchovies. — Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 29 June 2026

Common examples are salmon, sardines, mackerel, and anchovies. — Matt Fuchs, Time, 26 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Spanish anchova

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for anchovy

• clove
• novae
• supernovae

Kids Definition

anchovy

noun

an·​cho·​vy ˈan-ˌchō-vē 

an-ˈchō-vē

plural anchovies or anchovy

: any of numerous small fishes resembling herrings that include several that are important food fishes used especially for sauces and relishes