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.

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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

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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

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 belly and trout roe ride a tostada atop a green mango salad.

From New York Times • Oct. 29, 2019

"The great thing about the Swordfish was that the bullets just went straight through. After all, it was only made of canvas. It was like David and Goliath."

From BBC • Dec. 12, 2016

It was Swordfish, her two banks of oars lifting and falling.

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