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

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

The first products were canned tuna and sardines, olives, some figurines, and some ceramics. — Paula De La Cruz, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Fatty fish, like salmon and sardines, that provide omega-3 fatty acids, are also thought to have anti-inflammatory properties. — Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 21 July 2026

But after the town’s economy cratered with the closure of the local sardine cannery, Rangel, anxious to provide for the couple’s 1-year-old daughter, agreed to take a smuggling job. — Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 20 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