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

Alternatively, gussy them up and use them as a vehicle for caviar and sour cream for a memorable Thanksgiving appetizer. —Staff Author, Southern Living, 24 Nov. 2025

Standard caviar service is $45 and includes 10 grams of Calvisius Siberian caviar, chive creme fraiche and chips, which are a surprisingly perfect pairing, cutting through the richness with a hit of salt and fat. —Beth Rankin, Denver Post, 24 Nov. 2025

After the tour, PEOPLE was treated to a special presentation by Chef Jeremy Ford, who whipped up caviar tarts at the paddock's Stubborn Seed pop-up. —Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 24 Nov. 2025

Philipponnat Royal Reserve Non-Dosé, $75 – So versatile, this zero dosage Champagne of 67% pinot noir, 31% chardonnay and 2% pinot meunier, accompanies everything from sushi and light Asian dishes to vegetable tempura, caviar and brie. —Laura Ness, Mercury News, 23 Nov. 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