noun

swordfish

SAWD-fihsh

Swordfish (noun) means a large ocean fish with a long, flat, sword-like bill, prized as a food fish. Example: “We grilled swordfish steaks for dinner on the boat.”

noun

A large ocean fish with a long, flat, sword-like bill, prized as a food fish.

"We grilled swordfish steaks for dinner on the boat."

How to use swordfish

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA large fish with a flattened, sword-shaped bill, often eaten as steaks.

Common pairings

swordfish steak grilled swordfish catch a swordfish

Word forms

swordfished past tense, swordfish plural, swordfishes plural, swordfishes singular

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We grilled _____ steaks for dinner on the boat.

Etymology

From Old English sweordfisc, literally "sword" + "fish," named for its long, blade-like snout.

Origin: Old English

Frequently asked questions

What does “swordfish” mean?

The word “swordfish” means a large ocean fish with a long, flat, sword-like bill, prized as a food fish. In plain terms, a large fish with a flattened, sword-shaped bill, often eaten as steaks.

How do you pronounce “swordfish”?

“Swordfish” is pronounced SAWD-fihsh (/ˈsɔː(ɹ)dfɪʃ/ in IPA).

How do you use “swordfish” in a sentence?

Here is “swordfish” used in a sentence: “We grilled swordfish steaks for dinner on the boat.”

What part of speech is “swordfish”?

“Swordfish” is a noun.

Where does the word “swordfish” come from?

The word “swordfish” comes from Old English. From Old English sweordfisc, literally "sword" + "fish," named for its long, blade-like snout.