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

But there’s also the pan brioche (Italian brioche bread) with anchovies and butter and puntarelle enveloped in a savory anchovy hug; the agnolotti del plin, dumplings shining in a glossy butter and sage sauce, are not to be missed either. —Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026

That said, his choice for omega-3s would be smaller fish, like sardines and anchovies. —Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 22 Apr. 2026

Other local delicacies include mostarda—a sweet and spicy prickly pear jelly—and the savory scacciata, a flatbread filled with ingredients like vegetables, cheese, anchovies, and sausage. —Erica Firpo, Travel + Leisure, 21 Apr. 2026

Bucatini con le sarde, a classic Sicilian dish with sardines and anchovies, doesn’t suffer from the pivot to going fishless, with capers filling in for the briny element. —Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 21 Apr. 2026

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