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 Lightly brush the swordfish with oil and season with salt and black pepper. Lynda Balslev, The Mercury News, 24 June 2024 As servers brought us swordfish, Noboa spoke about a dry part of southern Ecuador where people go to ease health problems. Jon Lee Anderson, The New Yorker, 17 June 2024 New entrees include shawarma, swordfish, griot (crispy pork shoulder) with pikliz and chicken cordon bleu. Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 6 June 2024 Dishes like Bavarian sauerbraten, schnitzel with spaetzle and pork shanks with sauerkraut were regular specials, alongside American steakhouse favorites like New York strip steak, grilled swordfish and chicken piccata. Rachel Bernhard, Journal Sentinel, 28 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for swordfish 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'swordfish.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near swordfish

Cite this Entry

“Swordfish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swordfish. Accessed 2 Jul. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on swordfish

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