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; sword, fish

Example Sentences

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

He added: "Unexpectedly, a swordfish jumped towards Manfrini and stuck her right in the chest".

From BBC • Oct. 21, 2024

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

From Seattle Times • May 11, 2024

Sole, I remember, and haddock, swordfish, scallops, tuna; lobsters, stuffed and baked, salmon, pink and fat, grilled in steaks.

From "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood