swordfish

American  

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

noun

swordfishes, plural swordfish plural

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

---

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• swordfish
  plural
• swordfishes
  plural

Etymology

Origin of swordfish

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

Example Sentences

R Doradus is a red giant star located about 180 light years from Earth in the southern constellation Dorado, also known as the Swordfish.

From Science Daily • Jan. 12, 2026

The Grammy-nominated DJ and Swordfish film soundtrack composer has produced and remixed such artists as U2, Madonna, Britney Spears and the Rolling Stones.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2023

Throughout the evening, responding units, including the 87-foot Coast Guard Cutter Swordfish, were working to ensure no other vessels were traveling through the affected area, according to Petty Officer Michael Clark.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 14, 2022

Swordfish with tomatoes and fennel: Dinner doesn't get much easier — or better — than swordfish steaks.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 7, 2015

Swordfish was lagging once more, wallowing in the wake of the smaller ships to either side; elsewise the line was straight as a shield wall.

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin