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

Beyond their nutritional value, sardines offer an affordable, shelf-stable alternative to fresh fish, which are often more expensive and require refrigeration. — Jillian Kubala, Health, 24 June 2026

An all-day menu is also available—whether for a sit-down lunch, or just snacks by the pool—with mezze-type foods like tabbouleh, tomato salad, feta with olives and grapes, and garlic fries, as well as larger plates like a fennel and beef burger and a sardine pie. — Elizabeth Cantrell, Travel + Leisure, 21 June 2026

Looking to have another sardine girl summer? — Calin Van Paris, InStyle, 19 June 2026

Instead, the fatty acids must be obtained from foods such as salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines, walnuts, chia seeds and flaxseeds. — Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 18 June 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
• arene
• athene
• baleen
• beeline
• benzene
• between
• bromine

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