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

Anchovies and sardines aren’t naturally high in sodium (or salt), but jarred or canned versions often have a lot of salt added. — Mark Gurarie, Health, 31 July 2026

This summer’s menu will include items like hitsumabushi (a Donburi bowl with sliced eel or wagyu); chazuke with salmon and ikura; rice bowls with baby sardines and futomaki (a fat sushi roll). — Connie Ogle july 30, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026

What to do nearby The hotel is located in the heart of Cannery Row, a former sardine fishing hub named after John Steinbeck's famous 1945 novel. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026

Salmon and other fatty fish Another food rich in omega-3 fatty acids is fatty fish, which include salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines, and tuna. — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 24 July 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