noun
Uncommon
herring
HEH-rihng
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.”
noun
1
A small, oily silver fish found in large schools in northern seas, widely eaten fresh, smoked, or pickled.
"Pickled herring is a traditional dish in Scandinavia."
"Fishermen hauled in a huge catch of herring before dawn."
How to use herring
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small oily fish common in cold northern waters, often eaten pickled or smoked.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with the idiom "red herring," meaning a misleading clue — that's a figurative use, not a literal fish.
Common pairings
pickled herring
a school of herring
smoked herring
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Word forms
- Plural
- herrings
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.
