sardine

noun

sar·​dine sär-ˈdēn 

plural sardines also sardine

1

: any of several small or immature fishes of the herring family

especially : the European pilchard (Sardina pilchardus) especially when young and of a size suitable for preserving for food

2

: any of various small fishes (such as an anchovy) resembling the true sardines or similarly preserved for food

Examples of sardine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Domoic acid is a neurotoxin produced by harmful algal blooms that accumulates in filter-feeding fish — including anchovies and sardines — which are then eaten by seals, sea lions and dolphins. —Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025

One can of sardines contains 351 mg of calcium and 22.6 g of protein.23 Oily fish like sardines are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain, heart, and skin health.24 12. —Carrie Madormo, Rn, Mph, Verywell Health, 14 Apr. 2025

Boxes of pasta stacked high, maybe, alongside tins of sardines or a jar of olives. —Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 13 Apr. 2025

These modern embroidery kits, which come in a variety of charming maritime motifs, like this sardine tin from Hook, Line, & Tinker, are a favorite of Oma Blaise Ford, our senior executive editor. —Emily Williams, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English sardeine, from Anglo-French, from Latin sardina

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sardine

• agin
• alkene
• allene
• ameen
• amin
• amine
• arene
• athene
• baleen
• beeline
• benzene
• between

Kids Definition

sardine

noun

sar·​dine sär-ˈdēn 

plural sardines also sardine

: any of various young or very small fish often preserved in oil for food