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

See Examples For:

seafood

Which seafood may be served in a style called Kilpatrick?

From Slate ● Jul. 21, 2026

It smelled like “a hint of dumpster at a seafood restaurant,” said Parrett, 46, who visited with her husband and two teenage kids.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 10, 2026

It offloaded the Chef Boyardee brand External link in June 2025 for $600 million and sold the frozen seafood brands Van de Kamp’s and Mrs. Paul’s for $55 million.

From Barron's ● Jun. 29, 2026

For its fruit, of course, with its prime role in snacks like cocos preparados or in rich guisados and seafood dishes that are known along the whole Pacific coast.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 24, 2026

Johanna keeps watch while Finnick, Peeta, and I clean and lay out the seafood.

From "Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins