Word
swordfish
Phoneticssword·fish, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsɔɹdˌfɪʃ/
UK/sˈɔːdfɪʃ/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. a large sea fish with a long, flat nose that looks like a sword. People often eat it grilled or as steaks.
n. a large predatory marine fish distinguished by a long, flat, sword-like bill extending from its upper jaw, widely valued as food.
Examples
“We order grilled swordfish at the seaside restaurant.”
“The fishermen pull a huge swordfish onto the boat and measure its long bill.”
“Despite strict catch limits, swordfish remains prized in coastal kitchens where chefs sear thick steaks to keep them moist.”
Examples
simple
“We order grilled swordfish at the seaside restaurant.”
contextual
“The fishermen pull a huge swordfish onto the boat and measure its long bill.”
complex
“Despite strict catch limits, swordfish remains prized in coastal kitchens where chefs sear thick steaks to keep them moist.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “swordfish” in context.
Verb
01. catch swordfish
“Fishermen catch swordfish in the warm Atlantic waters.”
verb + noun
02. cook swordfish
“My father can cook swordfish on the barbecue.”
verb + noun
03. serve swordfish
“The restaurant serves swordfish with rice and salad.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. fresh swordfish
“We bought fresh swordfish at the fish market this morning.”
adj + noun
05. grilled swordfish
“We had grilled swordfish with vegetables for dinner.”
adj + noun
06. smoked swordfish
“Smoked swordfish with bread is a tasty starter.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. piece of swordfish
“He cut a small piece of swordfish for me to try.”
noun + prep + noun
08. slice of swordfish
“She put a thin slice of swordfish on my plate.”
noun + prep + noun
09. a fresh swordfish steak
“He cooked a fresh swordfish steak on the grill.”
10. catch a giant swordfish
“They were excited to catch a giant swordfish.”
11. grilled swordfish with lemon
“We enjoyed grilled swordfish with lemon at the beach restaurant.”
12. order the swordfish steak
“I think I will order the swordfish steak tonight.”
Usage
Plural is usually swordfish for the living fish; uncountable when referring to swordfish as food.
Etymology
From Middle English swerdfysche, from Old English *sweordfisċ. Equivalent to sword + fish.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
The word in film
Swordfish · 2001 · Action
- Directed by:
- Dominic Sena
- Starring:
- Halle Berry, John Travolta, Don Cheadle
Dominic Sena's 2001 action thriller stars John Travolta, Halle Berry and Don Cheadle. In the film, swordfish is a secret password that guards a hidden government fund, so the word is a code here, not the sea fish.
Domain
- 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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/swordfish