swordfish

American  

[sawrd-fish, sohrd-] / ˈsɔrdˌfɪʃ, ˈsoʊrd- /

noun

PLURAL

swordfishes

PLURAL

swordfish

1. a large, marine food fish, Xiphias gladius, having the upper jaw elongated into a swordlike structure.

2. Astronomy.  Swordfish, the constellation Dorado.

---

swordfish British  

/ ˈsɔːdˌfɪʃ /

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of swordfish

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

Example Sentences

The deep sea provides food to many species in shallower waters, like the swordfish, which dives up to 1,200 meters to feed.

From Salon

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