pilchard

American  

[pil-cherd] / ˈpɪl tʃərd /

noun

1. a small, southern European, marine fish, Sardina pilchardus, related to the herring but smaller and rounder.

2. any of several related fishes, as Sardinops caeruleus, common off the California coast.

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pilchard British  

/ ˈpɪltʃəd /

noun

1. a European food fish, Sardina (or Clupea ) pilchardus, with a rounded body covered with large scales: family Clupeidae (herrings)

2. a related fish, Sardinops neopilchardus , of S Australian waters

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Etymology

Origin of pilchard

First recorded in 1520–30; earlier pilcher; origin uncertain

Example Sentences

The eDNA identified 15 fish species, including the European pilchard, not typically found at their sampling location.

From Scientific American • Feb. 3, 2015

As he continued to toss fistfuls of pilchard pieces overboard, Pfeiffer and I free-lined whole dead baits into the ever-widening chum slick.

From Time Magazine Archive

Single 6/0 and 5/0 live-bait hooks are used to present a live pilchard or ballyhoo, or a fresh Spanish sardine.

From Time Magazine Archive

By comparison, the pilchard design sinks more slowly and has an inherent wobble action.

From Time Magazine Archive

“Abbey ain’t much big- ger’n a pilchard herself. I’d sure like to see how she throws a net,” he said.

From "Flush" by Carl Hiaasen