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Definition of herring

herring

/ˈhɛr.ɪŋ/
her · ring
Plural:herrings
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herring Lexical Profile

herring Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A small, silvery schooling marine fish of the genus Clupea, abundant in the temperate, shallow waters of the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans.

Example

"The local economy of the coastal village was historically dependent on the annual migration of Atlantic herring."

2

The flesh of the herring, consumed as food and typically prepared by smoking, salting, or pickling.

Example

"For breakfast, she enjoyed a slice of dark rye bread topped with pickled herring and dill."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for herring

• Rhymes for herring

• Nearby Words

hermitage
hermon
heron
herring
hesperantha
hesperis
hesperornis

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'hǣring', derived from Proto-Germanic '*hēringaz'. It is widely believed to be related to the Germanic word for 'multitude' or 'host', referencing the massive shoals in which the fish travel.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Herring. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 14, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/herring
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