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.
Sardines are usually steamed before being packed in oil or water, while anchovies are cured with salt. Helen Carefoot, Verywell Health, 6 June 2025 The allergen not declared on the meat products' labels is fish, more specifically, anchovies, according to the FSIS. Jonathan Limehouse, USA Today, 5 June 2025 Small fish including anchovies and sardines ingest the toxic algae, which then bioaccumulate in larger marine mammals that eat the fish. Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025 Marinated anchovies are draped across a generous dose of bright, garlicky tomato sauce. Lily Radziemski, New York Times, 29 May 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Anchovy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anchovy. Accessed 18 Jun. 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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