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 fact, the FDA lists sardines as having 164 IU of vitamin D per 3 ounce serving—more than all forms of dairy and cheese, as well as orange juice. —Ranyechi Udemezue, Vogue, 6 Feb. 2026

The nutritional profiles of anchovies and sardines are very similar. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 3 Feb. 2026

Fatty Fish Fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, and trout contain nutrients that support brain structure and function, which may play a role in mood regulation over time. —Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 29 Jan. 2026

Take a break from tuna with a lemon-herb sardine salad. —Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 27 Jan. 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