sardine

noun

sar·​dine sär-ˈdēn 

plural sardines also sardine

1

: any of several small or immature fishes of the herring family

especially : the European pilchard (Sardina pilchardus) especially when young and of a size suitable for preserving for food

2

: any of various small fishes (such as an anchovy) resembling the true sardines or similarly preserved for food

Examples of sardine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

At Mandalay Bay Resort, the big fish are fed a mix of mackerel, herring, blue runner and sardines, according to The Associated Press (AP). —Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 20 Mar. 2026

Salmon, sardines, mackerel, trout and anchovies are especially high in these beneficial fats. —Leeann Weintraub, Daily News, 18 Mar. 2026

Highlights of the trip included following the sardine run off the coast of South Africa, learning the art of underwater filming with an award-winning marine wildlife film crew, and then learning how to edit and produce high quality video of the dives. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Mar. 2026

Rainbow trout, salmon, tuna, and sardines are all rich sources. —Sarah Garone, Health, 13 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English sardeine, from Anglo-French, from Latin sardina

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sardine

• agin
• alkene
• allene
• ameen
• amin
• amine
• arene
• athene
• baleen
• beeline
• benzene
• between

Kids Definition

sardine

noun

sar·​dine sär-ˈdēn 

plural sardines also sardine

: any of various young or very small fish often preserved in oil for food