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

Like salmon, sardines also provide plenty of vitamin D, omega-3s, and protein. —Christina Manian, Health, 28 May 2026

What began as a playful offshoot of the sardine girl aesthetic is quickly solidifying into one of this summer’s defining handbag stories. —Lauren Fisher, Footwear News, 25 May 2026

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

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