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

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

The final touch is the fresh seafood mix.

From Salon • Apr. 6, 2026

However, anisakids, also called "sushi worms" or "sushi parasites," can cause illness if consumed alive in raw or undercooked seafood.

From Science Daily • Apr. 1, 2026

Saoud’s New Jersey-based company operates cold-storage warehouses across the U.S., handling products from vegetables to meat and seafood on behalf of food producers, distributors and retailers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

Ghost’s care included “hand preparing restaurant quality seafood, curating enrichment activities with her in mind, creating thoughtfully designed habitats, state-of-the-art veterinary care, and more.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

“Maybe dinner tomorrow instead. I can take you to the seafood spot I was telling you about.”

From "What If It's Us" by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera