Word
herring
Phoneticsher·ring, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈhɛɹɪŋ/
UK/hˈɛɹɪŋ/
Definitions
01the fish
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Science
n. a small, oily silver fish that lives in the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans.
n. any of several small, silver-coloured oily fish of the family Clupeidae, particularly those of the genus Clupea.
“The fishermen returned to the harbour with nets full of fresh herring.”
“Herring populations are vital to the marine food web, serving as a primary energy source for larger predators like cod and seals.”
Synonyms
02as food
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Cooking
n. the meat of this fish, often served pickled, smoked, or salted.
n. the flesh of the herring used as food, frequently preserved through pickling, salting, or smoking.
“In many Northern European countries, people enjoy pickled herring for breakfast.”
“The traditional platter featured smoked herring served alongside dark rye bread and a sharp mustard sauce.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“The Jason Arday case is in danger of becoming a red herring when it comes to quality control of university appointments.” “Their rations consisted of little more than herring, maggot-infested biscuits and salted beef.” Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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