Swordfish: meaning, definitions and examples

🐟
Add to dictionary

swordfish

 

[ ˈsɔːrdˌfɪʃ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

marine animal

The swordfish is a large, predatory fish belonging to the family Xiphiidae. Known for its elongated, flat bill, which resembles a sword, this fish is a powerful swimmer and can be found in warm and temperate waters around the world. Swordfish are highly regarded in culinary circles for their firm, meaty flesh, making them a popular choice for grilling and other cooking methods. They play an important role in marine ecosystems and are often sought after in both commercial and recreational fishing.

Synonyms

Xiphias gladius, broadbill, sword fish

Examples of usage

  • We had grilled swordfish for dinner last night.
  • The swordfish swam gracefully through the water.
  • Many fishermen dream of catching a giant swordfish.

Translations

Translations of the word "swordfish" in other languages:

🇵🇹 peixe-espada

🇮🇳 तलवार मछली

🇩🇪 Schwertfisch

🇮🇩 ikan pedang

🇺🇦 меч-риба

🇵🇱 miecznik

🇯🇵 メカジキ

🇫🇷 espadon

🇪🇸 pez espada

🇹🇷 kılıç balığı

🇰🇷 검치망둥어

🇸🇦 سمكة السيف

🇨🇿 mečoun

🇸🇰 mečiar

🇨🇳 剑鱼

🇸🇮 mečar

🇮🇸 sverðfiskur

🇰🇿 қанжар балығы

🇬🇪 მახვილი თევზი

🇦🇿 qılınc balığı

🇲🇽 pez espada

Word origin

The term 'swordfish' originates from the late Middle English period, deriving from the combination of the words 'sword' and 'fish', reflecting the distinctive sword-like bill of this species. The word 'sword' comes from Old English 'sweord', which has its roots in a Proto-Germanic term *swerdą, while 'fish' is derived from Old English 'fisc', which is related to the Proto-Germanic term *fiskaz. The swordfish is scientifically classified as Xiphias gladius, with 'Xiphias' coming from the Greek word 'xiphos', meaning sword, and 'gladius' from Latin, also meaning sword. This nomenclature highlights the unique morphology of the species, which has fascinated humans and driven fishing traditions for centuries. The swordfish is mentioned in various cultural contexts and has been part of maritime folklore throughout history, symbolizing strength and agility in the ocean.