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

The same goes for the San Diego-Scripps conservation area, except for the recreational taking of coastal pelagic species (northern anchovy, Pacific sardine, Pacific mackerel and jack mackerel) by hook and line only. —Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026

Rotating choices among several nutrient-dense fish, including sardines and tuna, but also salmon, mackerel, and other fish, can help balance benefits and nutrition. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 2 Apr. 2026

At Mandalay Bay Resort, the big fish are fed a mix of mackerel, herring, blue runner and sardines, according to The Associated Press (AP). —Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 20 Mar. 2026

Canned tuna, salmon and sardines are omega-3-rich, shelf-stable proteins that require zero cooking. —Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Mar. 2026

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