anchovy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral (Used in both everyday and technical/culinary contexts)
Quick answer
What does “anchovy” mean?
A small, strong-tasting, oily saltwater fish, typically sold salted, canned, or as a paste.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, strong-tasting, oily saltwater fish, typically sold salted, canned, or as a paste.
Used as a savory flavoring or garnish in various dishes; can refer to the fish itself, its preserved form, or its essence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major lexical differences. Pronunciation differs (see IPA). The use of anchovies on pizza may be more common/controversial in the US.
Connotations
In both, strong, divisive flavor; associated with Mediterranean cuisine (e.g., Caesar salad, pizza).
Frequency
Similar frequency in culinary contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “anchovy” in a Sentence
[dish] + with + anchovies[dish] + topped with + anchovies[sauce] + made from + anchoviesgarnish + with + anchovyVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “anchovy” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Rare as verb) The chef will anchovy the pizza for extra umami.
American English
- (Rare as verb) To anchovy a dish is to add a potent savory note.
adverb
British English
- (Extremely rare as adverb) The sauce tasted anchovily salty.
American English
- (Extremely rare as adverb) The dish was prepared anchovy-style.
adjective
British English
- The salad had a distinct anchovy flavour.
- He made an anchovy-based dressing.
American English
- The pizza had an anchovy kick.
- She loves anchovy paste on her toast.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In the context of food import/export, fishing industry, or restaurant supply.
Academic
In marine biology, ecology, or studies of Mediterranean cuisine.
Everyday
Discussing pizza toppings, salad dressings, or cooking recipes.
Technical
In professional culinary arts referring to specific preparation methods or as a source of umami.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “anchovy”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “anchovy”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “anchovy”
- Mispronunciation: /ænˈtʃoʊ.vi/ instead of /ˈæn.tʃoʊ.vi/ (stress on first syllable).
- Using as a countable noun for a single fish in non-culinary contexts (e.g., 'I saw an anchovy' is rare).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are different species of small fish. Anchovies are smaller, have a stronger, saltier flavor, and are often sold cured or in paste form. Sardines are larger, milder, and often sold fresh or canned in oil.
Their very strong, salty, and fishy flavor is polarizing. They can overwhelm other flavors in a dish if not used judiciously.
Yes, but they are very salty and potent. They are more commonly used as a seasoning ingredient, chopped finely and melted into sauces, dressings, or toppings.
For umami depth, you can use a small amount of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce (which itself contains anchovies), or miso paste, though the flavor profile will be different.
A small, strong-tasting, oily saltwater fish, typically sold salted, canned, or as a paste.
Anchovy is usually neutral (used in both everyday and technical/culinary contexts) in register.
Anchovy: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæn.tʃə.vi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæn.tʃoʊ.vi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for 'anchovy'.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
ANCHOR + VY: Imagine a tiny fish trying to anchor a VY (very) large ship because it's so strong-tasting.
Conceptual Metaphor
INTENSE FLAVOR IS A STRONG FORCE (e.g., 'The anchovy flavour dominated the sauce.').
Practice
Quiz
What is a primary culinary function of anchovies?