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

Some versions add preserved lemon, anchovies, capers or tomatoes. —Carole Kotkin, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2025

Stirred with a little garlic, butter and fishy bonito flakes, everything but the skin of the squash is served with the cavatelli and topped with anchovies, lemon zest and drizzled herb oil that add acidity and fragrance to the savory sauce. —Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 12 Aug. 2025

And the keystone for many of these cocktails is vegetables, from tomatoes and onions (yes, onions), to gooseberries and anchovies. —Emily Cappiello, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025

While most anchovies are cured in sea salt and packed in oil, these are packed fresh in a vinegar mixture. —Sheela Prakash, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Spanish anchova

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for anchovy

• 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