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

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

The story calls for a chorus of dancing sardines, a volcano, a villainous amoeba and more. —Point Loma-Ob Monthly, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Aug. 2025

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