anchovy

noun

an·​cho·​vy ˈan-ˌchō-vē How to pronounce anchovy (audio)
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
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.
In a large salad bowl, combine lettuce, croutons, garlic, anchovies and Parmesan cheese and toss. Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025 Made from a mixture of anchovies, salt and water, fish sauce also shines in dipping sauces and marinades. Rai Mincey, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025 Tiny anchovies and silversides rained onto the deck. Charlie Cordero, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2025 Pro tip: Try branching out to other seafood varieties, like mussels, anchovies, or trout. Caroline Tien, SELF, 1 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for anchovy 

Word History

Etymology

Spanish anchova

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of anchovy was in 1582

Dictionary Entries Near anchovy

Cite this Entry

“Anchovy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anchovy. Accessed 26 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

anchovy

noun
an·​cho·​vy ˈan-ˌchō-vē How to pronounce anchovy (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on anchovy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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