swordfish

[ sawrd-fish, sohrd- ]

noun

, plural sword·fish·es, (especially collectively) sword·fish

1. a large, marine food fish, Xiphias gladius, having the upper jaw elongated into a swordlike structure.
2. Swordfish, Astronomy. the constellation Dorado.

swordfish

/ ˈsɔːdˌfɪʃ /

noun

1. a large scombroid fish, Xiphias gladius, with a very long upper jaw: valued as a food and game fish: family Xiphiidae

Word History and Origins

Origin of swordfish¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English; sword, fish

Example Sentences

An Italian surfer died last week after being impaled by a swordfish in the waters of Masokut Island in Indonesia.

From Los Angeles Times

Tributes have been made to a surfer who died after reportedly being impaled by a swordfish in Indonesia.

From BBC

He was on a research expedition to document bycatch or accidental capture of sharks by tuna and swordfish fishing boats.

From BBC

However, because they’re near the bottom of the food chain, shrimp don’t generally tend to accumulate the environmental toxins, like mercury or dioxins, found in big predators such as tuna or swordfish.

From Seattle Times

The tinned dishes included typical Mediterranean ingredients, such as olives, tomatoes, quails and swordfish.

From Seattle Times