seafood

American  

[see-food] / ˈsiˌfud /

noun

1. any fish or shellfish from the sea used for food.

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seafood British  

/ ˈsiːˌfuːd /

noun

1. edible saltwater fish or shellfish

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Etymology

Origin of seafood

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40

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Explanation

Seafood refers to water-dwelling animals that people kill and eat, such as fish, shrimp, or even octopuses. Seafood is not what happens to your friend if you open your mouth while you’re chewing. Do you enjoy fish and chips? Fried clams? Tuna fish sandwiches? All of these qualify as seafood. It was once fairly common to think of larger sea creatures including whales and dolphins as seafood too, although fewer people eat these animals today. The term seafood can also be used for fish that live in lakes and rivers, rather than oceans; and edible seaweeds like kelp.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

seafood

As the production of seafood has become more globalized, its supply chains have stretched longer, making it tougher for consumers and grocers to know whether it was harvested sustainably or legally.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 9, 2026

I probably wouldn’t start splashing vinegar into a delicate seafood bisque.

From Salon ● Oct. 5, 2026

"It ranges from atrocious to completely useless," said Alan Heseldine, who runs a seafood kiosk on the pier.

From BBC ● Sep. 29, 2026

"Hurricanes carry moisture and move ocean currents and plankton," he said, noting the consequences for seafood dishes at his restaurant Huniik, where he reimagines Mayan specialties.

From Barron's ● Sep. 26, 2026

Later, we would bring along a second drum, which we would use to make a kind of Robben Island seafood stew.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

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