caviar

noun

cav·​i·​ar ˈka-vē-ˌär 

 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

What Is Cowboy Caviar? Also known as Texas Caviar, this hearty and colorful dip is essentially a saucy bean salad made with black beans or black-eyed peas, corn, onions, red bell peppers, jalapenos, lime juice and spices (no actual caviar involved). —Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2025

In the Design District, sample the signature tiny tacos stuffed with wagyu beef and caviar at the elegant, Mexico City–inspired El Carlos Elegante. Visit Dallas and explore the city’s top things to do, places to eat, shopping and much more. —Visit Dallas, AFAR Media, 7 Mar. 2025

The adults-only terrace bar, Champagne & Caviar, will match rare caviar to Grand Cru and grower Champagnes, as well as other premium sparkling wines. —Chrissie McClatchie, Travel + Leisure, 4 Mar. 2025

And sure, while indulging ourselves with a $400 tin of caviar isn’t exactly akin to buying a tube of lipstick for most of us, the sentiment is valid. —Allyson Reedy, The Denver Post, 19 Feb. 2025

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

Rhymes for caviar

• abattoir
• alcazar
• autocar
• avatar
• belshazzar
• caviare
• cinnabar
• commissar
• condylar
• deodar
• handlebar
• isobar

Kids Definition

caviar

noun

cav·​i·​ar

variants also caviare

ˈkav-ē-ˌär 

 also  ˈkäv-

: the salted eggs of a large fish (as the sturgeon) usually served as an appetizer