caviar
noun
cav·i·ar
ˈka-vē-ˌär 
also ˈkä-
variants
or less commonly caviare
1
: processed salted roe of large fish (such as sturgeon)
2
: something considered too delicate or lofty for mass appreciation
—usually used in the phrase caviar to the general
3
: something considered the best of its kind
Did you know?
The eggs, or roe, of sturgeon are called caviar. Preserved with salt, caviar is usually eaten as an appetizer. Most true caviar is produced in Russia and Iran, from fish taken from the Caspian and Black seas. The best grade, beluga, is prepared from large black or gray eggs; fresh beluga caviar is relatively scarce and thus expensive. Lesser grades are from smaller, denser eggs. In the U.S., the roe of salmon, whitefish, lumpfish, and paddlefish is sometimes sold under the name caviar.
Examples of caviar in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This creamy counterpoint honors the caviar rather than competing with it, while a crisp gyoza shell adds a brilliant contrast in texture.
—
Aly Walansky,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2026
On every floor, there were new bars and snacks to try, including small caviar pancakes, craft martini cocktails, negroni sbagliatos and many Champagne bars.
—
Mary Wenthur,
Footwear News,
28 June 2026
Beyond the music, VIP guests interacted with dancing robots, received complementary hair cuts, and were treated to caviar and canolli.
—
Danny Klein,
SPIN,
26 June 2026
Later on, the easygoing, all-day menu caters to any cravings, from caviar and oysters to a casual croque monsieur, or competent steak tartare.
—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for caviar
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Aly Walansky,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2026
On every floor, there were new bars and snacks to try, including small caviar pancakes, craft martini cocktails, negroni sbagliatos and many Champagne bars.
—
Mary Wenthur,
Footwear News,
28 June 2026
Beyond the music, VIP guests interacted with dancing robots, received complementary hair cuts, and were treated to caviar and canolli.
—
Danny Klein,
SPIN,
26 June 2026
Later on, the easygoing, all-day menu caters to any cravings, from caviar and oysters to a casual croque monsieur, or competent steak tartare.
—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for caviar
Cite this Entry
“Caviar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caviar. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
caviar
noun
cav·i·ar
variants
also caviare
ˈkav-ē-ˌär
also ˈkäv-
: the salted eggs of a large fish (as the sturgeon) usually served as an appetizer
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