seafood
Americannoun
noun
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Part of Prestwick's recent focus has been developing its ability to handle temperature sensitive products, and more than 1,500 tonnes of seafood was exported to China in six months alone.
From BBC ● Aug. 27, 2026
Oysters are a staple of brunch menus and seafood buffets across Australia, with local varieties famed for their rich, creamy flavour.
From Barron's ● Aug. 26, 2026
Goods facing 25% tariffs include appliances, dairy products and seafood.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 25, 2026
With sugar-white Gulf of Mexico beaches, a historic downtown and exceptional seafood, Pensacola is an outstanding choice for retirees looking for a coastal lifestyle without paying South Florida prices.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 25, 2026
He learns that one does not grate Parmesan cheese over pasta dishes containing seafood.
From "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
