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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 notes

In 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

Word forms

anchovies plural

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Test yourself on “anchovy” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

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."

Origin: Spanish

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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