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

Add Caesar dressing, sardines, and half of the croutons. —Jessica Saari Christensen, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 May 2026

The government recently opted to celebrate those turning 65 by awarding them sardines, a bar of soap and a package of toilet paper. —Danica Coto, Fortune, 3 May 2026

Eating sardines with their bones provides calcium and vitamin D, which support heart rhythm. —Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 1 May 2026

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