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

Mackerel Mackerel is another fatty fish rich in omega-3 fats, with an amount similar to sardines. —Lindsey Desoto, Health, 30 Apr. 2026

One key limitation is that sardines don’t provide large amounts of nutrients. —Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 29 Apr. 2026

During breeding season, food shortages - especially a lack of sardines - often force adult penguins to abandon their young in order to survive. —Jessica Burch, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026

That said, his choice for omega-3s would be smaller fish, like sardines and anchovies. —Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 22 Apr. 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