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

For a taste of their best riffing, try the Wild Marinara that pairs semi-dry cherry tomatoes with taggiasche olives, Cetara anchovy filets, and wild garlic pesto. — Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Sep. 2026

Adding Umami Salt is associated with sodium, while umami is the deep, savory quality linked to glutamates and ingredients such as tomato, mushroom, miso, seaweed, Parmesan and anchovy, says Adane. — Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 11 Sep. 2026

Anchovies Despite their small size, anchovies provide significant nutritional benefits. — Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 10 Sep. 2026

There could also be other marine impacts that will become apparent as squid and anchovies move out of the region because the waters are too warm for them. — Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 24 Aug. 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