noun
anchovy
AN-chuh-vee
Anchovy (noun) means a small, strong-tasting saltwater fish, often preserved in salt or oil and used to flavor other dishes. Example: “She added a couple of anchovy fillets to the pasta sauce for depth.”
noun
1
A small, strong-tasting saltwater fish, often preserved in salt or oil and used to flavor other dishes.
"She added a couple of anchovy fillets to the pasta sauce for depth."
"Some people love anchovies on pizza; others can't stand them."
How to use anchovy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA tiny, salty fish often sold in tins, used to add a strong savory flavor to food.
Common pairings
anchovy paste
anchovy fillet
tin of anchovies
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Word forms
- Plural
- anchovies
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She added a couple of _____ fillets to the pasta sauce for depth.
Etymology
Via Spanish anchoa and Ligurian anciôa; the ultimate root is uncertain, possibly Basque for "dried fish."
Rhymes for anchovy
See all rhymes for anchovy →Frequently asked questions
What does “anchovy” mean?
The word “anchovy” means a small, strong-tasting saltwater fish, often preserved in salt or oil and used to flavor other dishes. In plain terms, a tiny, salty fish often sold in tins, used to add a strong savory flavor to food.
How do you pronounce “anchovy”?
“Anchovy” is pronounced AN-chuh-vee (/ˈænˌt͡ʃoʊ.vi/ in IPA).
How do you use “anchovy” in a sentence?
Here is “anchovy” used in a sentence: “She added a couple of anchovy fillets to the pasta sauce for depth.”
What part of speech is “anchovy”?
“Anchovy” is a noun.
Where does the word “anchovy” come from?
The word “anchovy” comes from Spanish. Via Spanish anchoa and Ligurian anciôa; the ultimate root is uncertain, possibly Basque for "dried fish.".
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