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

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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

Over plates of seafood, the president delivered his verdict, according to Maillard who was in attendance.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 6, 2026

I probably wouldn’t start splashing vinegar into a delicate seafood bisque.

From Salon ● Oct. 5, 2026

It’s probably one of the best things to go with any piece of meat and seafood there.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 2, 2026

"It ranges from atrocious to completely useless," said Alan Heseldine, who runs a seafood kiosk on the pier.

From BBC ● Sep. 29, 2026

I stepped out of the walk-in, carrying the tub of seafood, and then slapped the tub onto the metal table.

From "The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora" by Pablo Cartaya

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