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

The warm water, the result of change in currents and stalling of the typical cold water upwelling that occurred along the coast, was nutrient-poor and led to steep crashes in phytoplankton and anchovy populations. — Susanne Rust follow, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026

As waters warm, baitfish like sardines and anchovies often move deeper or farther north in search of cooler temperatures. — Denis Akbari, USA Today, 24 July 2026

Give your appetizer spread a refresh with this no-cook dip made with canned chickpeas, tuna, lemon juice, anchovies, red onion, and parsley. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 23 July 2026

Llerandi remembers one supplier in northern Spain arguing with her that serving size of anchovies was so subjective. — Paula De La Cruz, Forbes.com, 22 July 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