Definition
A small oily fish of the herring family, typically canned and eaten as food. Also used figuratively to describe a person packed tightly among many others in a cramped space.
Example Usage
We were packed in like sardines on the crowded subway during rush hour.
Origin
Named after the island of Sardinia, historically a major fishing ground for these fish.
Fun Fact
Portugal and Spain together consume more canned sardines than any other nations, with sardines holding deep cultural significance in Mediterranean cuisine.
Source: Definition backfill (hailey)
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