sardine

noun

sar·​dine sär-ˈdēn 

plural sardines also sardine

1

: any of several small or immature fishes of the herring family

especially : the European pilchard (Sardina pilchardus) especially when young and of a size suitable for preserving for food

2

: any of various small fishes (such as an anchovy) resembling the true sardines or similarly preserved for food

Examples of sardine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Fatty Fish Fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, and tuna, are rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health. —Brittany Poulson, Verywell Health, 14 Oct. 2025

Potential Protection Against Diabetes Eating more sardines may also protect against the development of type 2 diabetes. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 14 Oct. 2025

Sources of this precious fat include fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna and sardines. —Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2025

Experts recommend eating salmon, rainbow trout, and small fish such as anchovies or sardines at least two nights a week. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English sardeine, from Anglo-French, from Latin sardina

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sardine

• agin
• alkene
• allene
• ameen
• amin
• amine
• arene
• athene
• baleen
• beeline
• benzene
• between

Kids Definition

sardine

noun

sar·​dine sär-ˈdēn 

plural sardines also sardine

: any of various young or very small fish often preserved in oil for food