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

The most interesting of the seafood dishes is the swordfish steak with chermoula,gingered cauliflower pilaf, eggplant yogurt and charred lemon. —John Mariani, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025

Other firm-fleshed fish, such as swordfish, tuna and salmon, can be substituted for the halibut. —Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 10 June 2025

Items on the menu include include crispy swordfish cutlets with spiced kumquats and hojicha tapioca pudding for dessert. —Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 21 May 2025

Mercury Fish and shellfish—such as swordfish, mackerel, and tuna—may contain mercury. —Lindsey Desoto, Health, 5 June 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