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

It subsequently expanded into tuna, swordfish and groundfish — Leeman’s specialty.

From ProPublica

Both she and the president, casually dressed in khakis and rolled-up shirt sleeves, had swordfish and salad.

From The Daily Beast

Recipe Instead of adorning your pasta with sausage and tomatoes, try using swordfish and olives for a change of pace and flavor.

From The Daily Beast

I absolutely love the assertiveness of olives and capers, especially when paired with a meaty fish like swordfish.

From The Daily Beast

Mayo does advise that pregnant women avoid swordfish, king mackerel, shark, and tile fish.

From The Daily Beast

Suddenly from the midst of the foam darted forth a gigantic swordfish, with a sword at least twenty feet in length.

From Project Gutenberg

It wouldn't do man any good to stage a conquest of earthworms and swordfish, since neither could pay taxes.

From Project Gutenberg

There were suggestions of purple that reminded me of the swordfish—that royal purple game of the Pacific.

From Project Gutenberg

He weaved from side to side, exactly like a tired swordfish, and every now and then he would stick out his bill and swish!

From Project Gutenberg

The swordfish has been so long and so well known that its right to its peculiar name has seldom been infringed upon.

From Project Gutenberg