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

“Unexpectedly, a swordfish jumped toward Manfrini and stuck her right in the chest,” said Lahmudin Siregar, head of the Mentawai Islands Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency.

From Los Angeles Times

Swordfish attacks are extremely uncommon and death is even rarer, but their sharp protruding noses are formidable weapons for these predatory fish and can make for deadly encounters.

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 added: "Unexpectedly, a swordfish jumped towards Manfrini and stuck her right in the chest".

From BBC