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
Canned tuna has never been my thing, nor have tinned sardines or even most anchovies.
—
Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 Sep. 2025
In a May Public Health Nutrition study of nearly 81,000 Japanese subjects, eating little fish like mackerel, sardines, and smelt was associated with a lower risk of cancer and all-cause mortality as people aged.
—Sarah Garone, Health, 27 Aug. 2025
Or learn about the history of local foods by taking a vibrant tour through one of four sardine canneries in the region.
—Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Potential Risks of the Sardine Diet A sardine-only diet would create a number of nutrient deficiencies, including in fiber, vitamin C, and many phytonutrients that come from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, Taub-Dix says.
—Erica Sweeney, EverydayHealth.com, 25 Aug. 2025
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Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 Sep. 2025
In a May Public Health Nutrition study of nearly 81,000 Japanese subjects, eating little fish like mackerel, sardines, and smelt was associated with a lower risk of cancer and all-cause mortality as people aged.
—Sarah Garone, Health, 27 Aug. 2025
Or learn about the history of local foods by taking a vibrant tour through one of four sardine canneries in the region.
—Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Potential Risks of the Sardine Diet A sardine-only diet would create a number of nutrient deficiencies, including in fiber, vitamin C, and many phytonutrients that come from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, Taub-Dix says.
—Erica Sweeney, EverydayHealth.com, 25 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sardine
Cite this Entry
“Sardine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sardine. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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