Confusing words explained
“swordfish” vs “marlin” — What’s the Difference?
Both are large game fish, but swordfish have a flattened bill, marlin have a pointed one.
Key takeaway
Quick Difference: swordfish vs marlin
Both are large game fish, but swordfish have a flattened bill, marlin have a pointed one.
swordfish vs marlin Side-by-Side Comparison
Meaning of swordfish
A large ocean fish with a long flat blade-like projection extending from its head.
A big fish with a long sword-shaped nose used to catch other fish.
Use swordfish when talking about the fish itself or swordfish-related activities like fishing.
- The fisherman caught a swordfish off the coast.
- Swordfish use their bill to injure or kill prey.
Meaning of marlin
A large ocean fish with a pointed, spear-like bill extending from its head.
A big fish similar to swordfish but with a pointed, rounded bill instead of a flat blade.
Use marlin when discussing the fish or marlin fishing tournaments and sport fishing.
- The captain saw a blue marlin jumping out of the water.
- Marlin are distinguished by their pointed dorsal fin and bill.
Usage Notes & Nuance
swordfish: Swordfish are prized game fish and are found in tropical and temperate oceans worldwide.
marlin: Marlin are highly prized game fish; fishing for marlin is popular sport in tropical regions.
How to Remember the Difference
Swordfish has a flat bill and one tall fin; marlin has a round spear and a long pointy dorsal fin.
Common Mistakes with swordfish and marlin
Mistake with swordfish
Correct: The swordfish has a flattened blade-like bill.
Mistake with swordfish
Correct: We caught a swordfish in the ocean.
Mistake with marlin
Correct: Marlin have a pointed, rounded bill.
Mistake with marlin
Correct: The blue marlin is the largest billfish.
Practice Quiz: swordfish or marlin?
Choose the word that best completes each real example sentence.
Question 1
The fisherman caught a _____ off the coast.
Question 2
_____ use their bill to injure or kill prey.
Question 3
Unlike marlin, _____ have a flattened rather than rounded bill.
Pick at least one answer, then press Check answers to see how you did.
You scored 0 out of 3
Frequently Asked Questions About swordfish vs marlin
What’s the difference between “swordfish” and “marlin”?
Both are large game fish, but swordfish have a flattened bill, marlin have a pointed one.
When should I use “swordfish”?
Use swordfish when talking about the fish itself or swordfish-related activities like fishing.
When should I use “marlin”?
Use marlin when discussing the fish or marlin fishing tournaments and sport fishing.
How can I remember swordfish vs marlin?
Swordfish has a flat bill and one tall fin; marlin has a round spear and a long pointy dorsal fin.
Is it “swordfish” or “marlin” in example sentences?
Use the quiz above to test the pair with real example sentences from the available word data.