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.
He said chipping away at opportunities to catch local seafood could mean flying in more fish from Chile or Mexico.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 19, 2026
He went on to describe what was essentially just a buffet, albeit one with uncommonly excellent seafood, all hauled from chilly waters nearby and eaten at communal tables.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 15, 2026
I probably wouldn’t start splashing vinegar into a delicate seafood bisque.
From Salon ● Oct. 5, 2026
"It ranges from atrocious to completely useless," said Alan Heseldine, who runs a seafood kiosk on the pier.
From BBC ● Sep. 29, 2026
The menu was pretty much the same as it was in Portland, except for a seafood sub and a chicken tikka masala sub.
From "Darius the Great Is Not Okay" by Adib Khorram
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