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

During a lengthy meander event from 1975 to 1980, scientists saw a severe decline in anchovy in the Enshunada Sea, a major fishing region to the south of Japan’s main island of Honshu. —Chris Mooney, CNN Money, 17 Dec. 2025

Nicola stands by a ham-and-cheese sandwich made from panettone slices, and indeed, savory panettone will launch in the US next year; think a tomato base with anchovy bits or with parmesan added. —Lisa Wong MacAbasco, Vogue, 15 Dec. 2025

View gallery - 4 images The water leaving your washing machine may soon be a lot more eco-friendly, thanks to the anchovy. —New Atlas, 5 Dec. 2025

In the 1970s, an El Niño weather event caused a crash of the Peruvian anchovy harvest, another important source of animal feed. —Time, 3 Dec. 2025

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