swordfish

noun

sword·​fish ˈsȯrd-ˌfish 

: 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

Examples of swordfish in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The swordfish, dry-aged for five to 14 days, is sliced to resemble a steak and mic-dropped on the table without any plating fanfare. —Caroline Hatchett, Robb Report, 1 Nov. 2024

Read more More news to know now Tributes pour in for a surfer who died after a swordfish reportedly pierced chest. —Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 23 Oct. 2024

An Italian woman surfing an island break off the west coast of Sumatra died in a freak accident when a swordfish impaled her, according to reports. —Greg Wehner, Fox News, 22 Oct. 2024

For the Spanish fisherman who take to the Strait of Gibraltar nightly hunting for tuna, marlin and swordfish, the likelihood of an orca run-in has added another harrowing element to an already dangerous job. —Josh Lederman, NBC News, 15 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

swordfish

noun

sword·​fish -ˌfish 

: 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