swordfish

noun

sword·​fish ˈsȯrd-ˌfish 

: a very large scombroid fish (Xiphias gladius of the family Xiphiidae) that has a long swordlike beak formed by the bones of the upper jaw and is an important food and game fish

Illustration of swordfish

Examples of swordfish in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Other species living in the open sea are more specialized and attach to cetaceans, swordfish, or marlins. —Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 9 Aug. 2025

Methylmercury accumulates up the food chain, so apex predators such as sharks, tuna and swordfish have the highest concentrations. —Tara Haelle, Scientific American, 25 June 2025

Marlin, broadbill swordfish, tuna, are favored targets. —Pat Smith, Outdoor Life, 24 July 2025

This neglect of such wonderful seafood from Long Island, including swordfish caught just off Montauk and bluefish that come roaring through the Sound in season, is due not to a lack of supply but to a lack of demand among consumers. —John Mariani, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for swordfish

• bluefish
• catfish
• codfish
• crawfish
• dogfish
• finfish
• flatfish
• goldfish
• groundfish
• kingfish
• offish
• redfish

Kids Definition

swordfish

noun

sword·​fish -ˌfish 

: a very large ocean fish that has a long swordlike beak formed by the bones of the upper jaw and is an important food and game fish