herring

herring — noun

1. a small sea fish with shiny silver skin that forms enormous groups in the ocean

1.nounB1
Definition

a small sea fish with shiny silver skin that forms enormous groups in the ocean and is caught in large numbers for its meat — commonly eaten smoked, salted, pickled, or from a can

Example

In early spring, huge shoals of herring swim close to the coast of Scotland.

collocation: shoal/school of herring

Andrés grilled fresh herring with lemon and herbs for a simple dinner.

collocation: fresh herring (uncountable food)

Common collocations
  • shoal of herring
  • school of herring
  • fresh herring
  • smoked herring
  • pickled herring
  • salted herring
  • herring fishery
  • herring boat
  • herring catch

Grammar Patterns

a herring / two herrings (countable: individual fish)

herring (uncountable: fish meat as food)

Usage Note

Countable (a herring, two herrings) when referring to individual fish. Uncountable (some herring) when referring to the meat as a food substance. On a menu or recipe, herring is uncountable: 'smoked herring with potatoes'.

Common Mistakes

I bought two herring from the fish market.' (meaning individual fish).
I bought two herrings from the fish market.
Use the plural form 'herrings' for individual fish.
I love herrings for breakfast.' (meaning the food).
I love herring for breakfast.
Use the uncountable form 'herring' when talking about the food.
Idioms

red herring

idiom

a fact, idea, or piece of information that is not important but is deliberately used to take people's attention away from the real issue

The detective realised the anonymous letter was a red herring meant to delay the investigation.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Herring, sardine, anchovy, and mackerel are all small, oily fish commonly eaten, but they differ in species, size, and preparation. Herring (Clupea) is typically larger than sardines and anchovies, and is often smoked, pickled, or salted whole. Sardines are young herring or related small fish (Sardinops) packed in oil or sauce in cans. Anchovies are smaller, saltier, and usually cured in brine before being used as a flavouring. Mackerel is a larger oily fish with firmer flesh, usually grilled or smoked. In a supermarket context: 'Canned sardines in tomato sauce' and 'jar of pickled herring' are not interchangeable — herring has a milder, less salty taste than anchovy.

sardine ↗anchovymackerel

Common collocations

Phrases

  • shoal of herring
  • school of herring
  • a jar of pickled herring
  • barrel of salted herring

Etymology

West GermanicOld EnglishEnglish

The word 'herring' comes from Old English 'hǣring', from a West Germanic root. It is related to Old High German 'hāring' and Dutch 'haring'. The ancient root may mean 'army' or 'host' — a reference to the huge groups in which these fish travel. The word has been used in English since before the 12th century.