# anchovy

/ˈænˌtʃoʊvi/ (US) · /ˈæntʃɒvi/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/anchovy
Updated: 2026-10-19

## Definition

a very small fish with a strong salty taste. You often eat it on pizza or mixed into sauces.

For teachers: a small marine fish of the family Engraulidae, typically preserved in salt or oil for its intense savoury flavour. Widely used as a flavouring in Mediterranean cooking, especially on pizza and in sauces and dressings.

## Examples

- I add chopped anchovy to the pizza sauce.
- She adds extra anchovy to her salad for a salty kick.
- Though divisive among diners, anchovy melts into the dressing, lending a deep savoury note without tasting overtly fishy.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.