swordfish

[ sawrd-fish, sohrd- ]

/ ˈsɔrdˌfɪʃ, ˈsoʊrd- /

noun, plural sword·fish·es, (especially collectively) sword·fish for 1.

a large, marine food fish, Xiphias gladius, having the upper jaw elongated into a swordlike structure.

(initial capital letter) Astronomy. the constellation Dorado.

Nearby words

Origin of swordfish

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at sword, fish

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for swordfish

Both she and the president, casually dressed in khakis and rolled-up shirt sleeves, had swordfish and salad.
Are You There, Recipient? It’s Me, Barack|Allison Yarrow|April 6, 2012|DAILY BEAST
I absolutely love the assertiveness of olives and capers, especially when paired with a meaty fish like swordfish.
Fresh Picks|Donatella Arpaia|August 11, 2009|DAILY BEAST
The swordfish and others frequently attack the whale with the utmost audacity.
Torrey's Narrative|William Torrey
It was a thrust—not a throw—and the muscular strength behind the blow caused the steel to pierce the thick skin of the swordfish.
The Boy With the U. S. Fisheries|Francis Rolt-Wheeler

The helm answered, the boat swung, and the swordfish missed hitting us square.
Tales of Fishes|Zane Grey
Swordfish had been reported off Monhegan; in fact Captain Field had brought in a modest-sized one only the day before.
Witches Cove|Roy J. Snell
One of the most exciting was this encounter with a swordfish, which he relates in a delightful manner.
Story Hour Readings: Seventh Year|E.C. Hartwell

British Dictionary definitions for swordfish

swordfish

/ (ˈsɔːdˌfɪʃ) /

noun plural -fish or -fishes

a large scombroid fish, Xiphias gladius, with a very long upper jaw: valued as a food and game fish: family Xiphiidae

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for swordfish

swordfish

c.1400, from sword + fish (n.).