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

In Peru, the world’s largest catcher of anchovies, the fishing industry collapsed after the tiny baitfish abandoned the country’s waters for cooler northern climes. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 13 Oct. 2026

Protect your nibbles from Giuseppe, the resident seagull, who was particularly interested in my anchovies on toast. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Oct. 2026

Maybe my anchovies were a little saltier, or the parmesan reggiano? — Rick Martinez, Bon Appetit Magazine, 7 Oct. 2026

Just 6 anchovy fillets can provide roughly 4 grams of protein, along with omega-3 fats, calcium, selenium and vitamin B-12. — Jo Ann Liguori, Flow Space, 5 Oct. 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