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
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.
An Italian surfer died after a swordfish reportedly struck her while surfing off Indonesia's West Sumatra coast. Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 22 Oct. 2024 His dry-aging technique, part of his ‘seafood steakhouse’ concept, enhances the flavor and texture of firmer fish like a yellowfin tuna ribeye and a swordfish sirloin. Lauren Mowery, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024 At the Otter in downtown New York City, chef Alex Stupak features two kinds—Tellicherry and Madagascar green—in his exceptional swordfish au poivre. Bloomberg, The Mercury News, 19 Dec. 2024 In front of a large group of people at the marina, their swordfish weighed 305.6 pounds. Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 28 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for swordfish 

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 9 Jan. 2025.

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

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