anchovy
noun
an·cho·vy
ˈan-ˌchō-vē 
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
Scientists have theorized that anchovies, which are often prey for salmon, produce the thiaminase enzyme that breaks down thiamine.
—
Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 20 May 2025
Domoic acid is a neurotoxin produced by harmful algal blooms that accumulates in filter-feeding fish — including anchovies and sardines — which are then eaten by seals, sea lions and dolphins.
—Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025
One salty perk to the kitchen’s traditional approach to making its popular Caesar is that anchovies are a no-charge add-on to any pizza.
—Leslie Kelly, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Six-word review: Fluffy pancake pairs well with anchovies.
—Asher Price, Axios, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for anchovy
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.
Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 20 May 2025
Domoic acid is a neurotoxin produced by harmful algal blooms that accumulates in filter-feeding fish — including anchovies and sardines — which are then eaten by seals, sea lions and dolphins.
—Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025
One salty perk to the kitchen’s traditional approach to making its popular Caesar is that anchovies are a no-charge add-on to any pizza.
—Leslie Kelly, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Six-word review: Fluffy pancake pairs well with anchovies.
—Asher Price, Axios, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for anchovy
Cite this Entry
“Anchovy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anchovy. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
anchovy
noun
an·cho·vy
ˈan-ˌchō-vē
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share