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

There are thieving cats, too — hold on to your sardines, mice and computer cables! —Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Feb. 2025

To elevate the protein content even further, take inspiration from Greek cuisine and toss your sardines on top of a bed of protein-rich lentils or white beans, as Mina Stone, chef and partner at Mina’s in Queens, previously told SELF. —Caroline Tien, SELF, 19 Feb. 2025

For the type of person who will spend $50 on a sampler of Portuguese sardines despite having never previously touched the domestic cans, the next logical step may be to fill the freezer with $10 pints of craft ice cream or $22 sourdough pizza. —Meghan McCarron, The Atlantic, 18 Feb. 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, 6 Feb. 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