anchovy

noun

an·​cho·​vy ˈan-ˌchō-vē How to pronounce anchovy (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
It’s prepared in a special way—cut thin, soaked in ice water, and dressed with anchovies and olive oil. Shivani Vora, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025 The bloom currently wreaking havoc off the coast produces a neurotoxin called domoic acid, which accumulates in small fish like sardines and anchovies. Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2025 The small fish, eaten whole like whitebait or anchovies, was a regular meal in 19th-century England, but their range extends far beyond the nation. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2025 Salinity: Capers, olives, flaky sea salt, anchovies, or brine—your choice. Ginger Perra, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for anchovy

Word History

Etymology

Spanish anchova

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of anchovy was in 1582

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Anchovy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anchovy. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

anchovy

noun
an·​cho·​vy ˈan-ˌchō-vē How to pronounce anchovy (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on anchovy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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