herring
Herring (noun) means a small, oily silver fish found in large schools in northern seas, widely eaten fresh, smoked, or pickled. Example: “Pickled herring is a traditional dish in Scandinavia.”
How to use herring
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small oily fish common in cold northern waters, often eaten pickled or smoked.
Don't confuse with the idiom "red herring," meaning a misleading clue — that's a figurative use, not a literal fish.
Word forms
herrings plural, herring plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Pickled _____ is a traditional dish in Scandinavia.
Etymology
From Old English hǣring, a Germanic word of uncertain origin, possibly linked to "hair" because of the fish's fine bones.
Rhymes for herring
See all rhymes for herring →Frequently asked questions
What does “herring” mean?
The word “herring” means a small, oily silver fish found in large schools in northern seas, widely eaten fresh, smoked, or pickled. In plain terms, a small oily fish common in cold northern waters, often eaten pickled or smoked.
How do you pronounce “herring”?
“Herring” is pronounced HEH-rihng (/ˈhɛɹɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “herring” in a sentence?
Here is “herring” used in a sentence: “Pickled herring is a traditional dish in Scandinavia.”
What part of speech is “herring”?
“Herring” is a noun.
Where does the word “herring” come from?
The word “herring” comes from Old English. From Old English hǣring, a Germanic word of uncertain origin, possibly linked to "hair" because of the fish's fine bones.
Is “herring” a common word?
“Herring” is an uncommon word in modern English.