any of various small marine food fishes of the genus Engraulis and related genera, esp E. encrasicolus of S Europe: family Clupeidae (herrings). They have a salty taste and are often tinned or made into a paste or essence
Word origin
C16: from Spanish anchoa, perhaps ultimately from Greek aphuē small fish
Examples of 'anchovies' in a sentence
anchovies
I ordered the basic cheese and tomato pizza with added pepperoni and anchovies.
Anita Anderson SOMEBODY (2002)
Salted anchovies probably never go off and the sell-by is probably just to fit the law.
Anita Anderson SUMMER OF SECRETS (2002)
Stuff the anchovies inside the mozzarella, then place the mozzarella in the tomato.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Or the anchovies would get chopped up into big salads to make glorious niçoises.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Add the anchovies and crush with the garlic.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Squeeze the peeled tomatoes to a pulp, then add to the garlic and anchovies.
Times, Sunday Times (2018)
Pineapple and anchovies arouse love and loathing in equal measure.
The Sun (2012)
Chop the tarragon and add to the butter with the chopped shallots and anchovies.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Meanwhile, finely slice the garlic and chilli, then roughly chop the anchovies and tomatoes.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Stir in garlic, anchovies, parmesan and lemon juice to taste.