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
Food and drink Afternoon tea at the Palm Court is the main draw here, and there are a few different sets of delectable finger sandwiches and desserts to choose from (expect a lengthy tea selection, caviar accents, and no shortage of macarons).
—
Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Jan. 2026
The main menu includes sliders, salads, caviar and an artisan charcuterie and cheese board, while the happy hour menu is focused on appetizers such as french fries and crab cakes.
—Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
january 2, Sacbee.com, 2 Jan. 2026
Guests can linger over a basket of fresh pastries and handmade breads, or order hot dishes such as Austrian French toast made with milk bread and plum jam, or a Schloss Fuschl egg with hollandaise and Salzburg Grüll caviar.
—Siobhan Reid, Travel + Leisure, 31 Dec. 2025
The menu may be endless – limited only by the diner’s appetite – or prix fixe, with supplemental and scrumptious add-ons like sea urchin or black caviar.
—John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 24 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for caviar
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Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Jan. 2026
The main menu includes sliders, salads, caviar and an artisan charcuterie and cheese board, while the happy hour menu is focused on appetizers such as french fries and crab cakes.
—Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
january 2, Sacbee.com, 2 Jan. 2026
Guests can linger over a basket of fresh pastries and handmade breads, or order hot dishes such as Austrian French toast made with milk bread and plum jam, or a Schloss Fuschl egg with hollandaise and Salzburg Grüll caviar.
—Siobhan Reid, Travel + Leisure, 31 Dec. 2025
The menu may be endless – limited only by the diner’s appetite – or prix fixe, with supplemental and scrumptious add-ons like sea urchin or black caviar.
—John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 24 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for caviar
Cite this Entry
“Caviar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caviar. Accessed 6 Jan. 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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