caviar

noun

cav·​i·​ar ˈka-vē-ˌär 

 also  ˈkä-

variants or less commonly caviare

1

: processed salted roe of large fish (such as sturgeon)

2

: something considered too delicate or lofty for mass appreciation

—usually used in the phrase caviar to the general

3

: something considered the best of its kind

Did you know?

The eggs, or roe, of sturgeon are called caviar. Preserved with salt, caviar is usually eaten as an appetizer. Most true caviar is produced in Russia and Iran, from fish taken from the Caspian and Black seas. The best grade, beluga, is prepared from large black or gray eggs; fresh beluga caviar is relatively scarce and thus expensive. Lesser grades are from smaller, denser eggs. In the U.S., the roe of salmon, whitefish, lumpfish, and paddlefish is sometimes sold under the name caviar.

Examples of caviar in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The open-air deck at Up the Creek Raw Bar is the spot for raw oysters (the Baltic version also features caviar and creamy horseradish sauce for an ultra-indulgent addition), seafood baskets, and even fried Florida alligator. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2025

For the historically minded traveler with a love of chandeliers and caviar, there is simply no substitute. —Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 24 Apr. 2025

The crispy rice bites set the tone—crackly, warm, and topped with cool slices of tuna and a pop of caviar. —Keyla Vasconcellos, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025

Next up was caviar, which Megan seemed to enjoy with a bit of bread. —Angel Saunders, People.com, 22 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

earlier cavery, caviarie, from obsolete Italian caviari, plural of caviaro, from Turkish havyar

First Known Use

circa 1560, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for caviar

• abattoir
• alcazar
• autocar
• avatar
• belshazzar
• caviare
• cinnabar
• commissar
• condylar
• deodar
• handlebar
• isobar

Kids Definition

caviar

noun

cav·​i·​ar

variants also caviare

ˈkav-ē-ˌär 

 also  ˈkäv-

: the salted eggs of a large fish (as the sturgeon) usually served as an appetizer