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.
Marlin, broadbill swordfish, tuna, are favored targets. Pat Smith, Outdoor Life, 24 July 2025 This neglect of such wonderful seafood from Long Island, including swordfish caught just off Montauk and bluefish that come roaring through the Sound in season, is due not to a lack of supply but to a lack of demand among consumers. John Mariani, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025 The 17,000-square-foot, 400-seat Del Mar (indoors and on its terrace) hasn’t dropped its menu yet, but the Naples flagship serves spicy lamb sausage Turkish flatbreads, tomato salads and loaded hummus starters, as well as lobster spaghetti, veal chops, swordfish and 16-ounce ribeyes for entrees. Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 7 July 2025 On Father’s Day starting at 2 p.m., the afternoon will be one big party at the Beacon Hill property, full of yard games, live reggae, slow-roasted suckling pig, baby back ribs, craft cocktails, Cajun swordfish, and bourbon-marinated steak tips. Gretta Monahan, Boston Herald, 8 June 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Swordfish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swordfish. Accessed 29 Jul. 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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