swordfish

American  

[sawrd-fish, sohrd-] / ˈsɔrdˌfɪʃ, ˈsoʊrd- /

noun

plural

swordfishes,

plural

swordfish

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

2. Astronomy. Swordfish, the constellation Dorado.

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swordfish British  

/ ˈsɔːdˌfɪʃ /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of swordfish

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English; see origin at sword, fish

Example Sentences

"Bigscale pomfret are so different from the tunas and swordfish we usually catch that we are fascinated by them whenever they show up in our gear," Mears said.

From Science Daily • Dec. 28, 2025

The deep sea provides food to many species in shallower waters, like the swordfish, which dives up to 1,200 meters to feed.

From Salon • May 21, 2025

“Unexpectedly, a swordfish jumped toward Manfrini and stuck her right in the chest,” said Lahmudin Siregar, head of the Mentawai Islands Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 22, 2024

The tinned dishes included typical Mediterranean ingredients, such as olives, tomatoes, quails and swordfish.

From Seattle Times • May 11, 2024

Distractedly, he glanced at the table full of food—they were having swordfish again—and then he pulled his phone out of his pocket and glanced at the screen once more.

From "The School for Whatnots" by Margaret Peterson Haddix