swordfish

noun

sword·​fish ˈsȯrd-ˌfish How to pronounce swordfish (audio)
: 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

Illustration of swordfish

Examples of swordfish in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Wier used the head of a 150-pound swordfish. Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 25 Feb. 2026 Their bait was far from standard — Kenny used the head of an 80-pound yellowfin tuna, while Wier used the head of a 150-pound swordfish. Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 25 Feb. 2026 These metals accumulate gradually, so older, larger fish like sharks and swordfish have the highest levels. Zia Sherrell, Health, 16 Feb. 2026 Dogfish have fewer electroreceptors than many open-water species such as blacktips and oceanic whitetips, which are susceptible to longlines meant for tuna and swordfish. Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for swordfish

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of swordfish was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Swordfish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swordfish. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

swordfish

noun
sword·​fish -ˌfish How to pronounce swordfish (audio)
: 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

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