anchovy

noun

an·​cho·​vy ˈan-ˌchō-vē 

an-ˈchō-vē

plural anchovies or anchovy

: any of a family (Engraulidae) of small fishes resembling herrings that includes several (such as Engraulis encrasicolus) that are important food fishes used especially in appetizers, as a garnish, and for making sauces and relishes

Examples of anchovy in a Sentence

a salad topped with garlic and anchovies

Recent Examples on the Web

As weeks passed and our energy restored bit by bit, the sauce became a base: for pantry puttanesca—with anchovies, capers, olives, and red pepper flakes, heaped with Parmesan. —Anna Noyes, Bon Appétit, 16 Dec. 2024

The humpbacks started popping up recently, following massive schools of anchovies, a typical food source. —Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2024

A lot of anchovies have been keeping them in local waters recently. —Laylan Connelly, Orange County Register, 3 Dec. 2024

In the United States, anchovies are the fish of choice for pizzas. —Christine Rousselle, Fox News, 26 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Spanish anchova

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

anchovy

noun

an·​cho·​vy ˈan-ˌchō-vē 

an-ˈchō-vē

plural anchovies or anchovy

: any of numerous small fishes resembling herrings that include several that are important food fishes used especially for sauces and relishes