what is a sardine
Full Definition of SARDINE. 1. : any of several small or immature fishes of the herring family; especially: the European pilchard (Sardina pilchardus) especially when young and of a size suitable for preserving for food. 2.: any of various small fishes (as an anchovy) resembling the true sardines or similarly preserved for food. any of several small or immature fishes of the herring family; especially: the European pilchard (Sardina pilchardus) especially when young and of a size suitable for preserving for food. 2. : any of various small fishes (as an anchovy) resembling the true sardines or similarly preserved for food.