caviar

noun

cav·​i·​ar ˈka-vē-ˌär How to pronounce caviar (audio)
 also  ˈkä-
variants or less commonly caviare
1
: processed salted roe of large fish (such as sturgeon)
2
: something considered too delicate or lofty for mass appreciation
usually used in the phrase caviar to the general
3
: something considered the best of its kind

Did you know?

The eggs, or roe, of sturgeon are called caviar. Preserved with salt, caviar is usually eaten as an appetizer. Most true caviar is produced in Russia and Iran, from fish taken from the Caspian and Black seas. The best grade, beluga, is prepared from large black or gray eggs; fresh beluga caviar is relatively scarce and thus expensive. Lesser grades are from smaller, denser eggs. In the U.S., the roe of salmon, whitefish, lumpfish, and paddlefish is sometimes sold under the name caviar.

Examples of caviar 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.
Often, that might mean elevated takes on dishes this native Brazilian grew up eating (and always, there’s the option of adding on goodies like caviar or foie gras). Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 June 2025 Want your butler to deliver caviar with all the trimmings? Fran Golden, Travel + Leisure, 15 June 2025 The main menu includes sliders, salads, caviar and an artisan charcuterie and cheese board, while the happy hour menu is focused on appetizers such as french fries and crab cakes. Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 14 June 2025 Plus, a stay in the suite includes even more luxe touches, such as in-suite caviar service, a welcome bottle of Dom Pérignon Champagne and Remy Martin Louis XIII Cognac, and daily canapés. Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for caviar

Word History

Etymology

earlier cavery, caviarie, from obsolete Italian caviari, plural of caviaro, from Turkish havyar

First Known Use

circa 1560, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of caviar was circa 1560

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Cite this Entry

“Caviar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caviar. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

caviar

noun
cav·​i·​ar
variants also caviare
ˈkav-ē-ˌär How to pronounce caviar (audio)
 also  ˈkäv-
: the salted eggs of a large fish (as the sturgeon) usually served as an appetizer

More from Merriam-Webster on caviar

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