bonito
noun
bo·ni·to bə-ˈnē-(ˌ)tō 
-ˈnē-tə
plural bonitos or bonito
: any of several scombroid fishes (especially genera Sarda and Euthynnus) intermediate between the smaller mackerels and the larger tunas
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Fry an egg on the side to top your dish and finish with a final scattering of bonito flakes. 
Chihiro Tomioka, Bon Appétit, 20 May 2022 At its core, classic dashi is made by simmering kombu kelp and katsuobushi (flakes of smoked and dried bonito fish) for long periods of time at low temperature. San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Feb. 2022 Cue the meaty pork ribs, stacked on a bamboo leaf and glossed with a barbecue sauce flavored with bonito. Washington Post, 22 Apr. 2022 Spoon the dressing over the spinach and garnish with bonito flakes and sesame seeds. San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Feb. 2022 Add the bonito flakes and set aside, uncovered, for about 15 minutes. Washington Post, 21 Dec. 2021 At the July rodeo, Kyle Davis topped the leaderboard with a 22.24-pound bonito, a species also known as little tunny. al, 13 Sep. 2021 Fortunately, Gulf Breeze Bait and Tackle had some of the big bonito and everything clicked into place. Alan Clemons, Outdoor Life, 19 Mar. 2021 The Cantabrian cannery Don Bocarte may be known for its anchovies, but its bonito del norte (white albacore) is the real sleeper hit. Benjamin Kemper, WSJ, 17 Dec. 2020 See More
Chihiro Tomioka, Bon Appétit, 20 May 2022 At its core, classic dashi is made by simmering kombu kelp and katsuobushi (flakes of smoked and dried bonito fish) for long periods of time at low temperature. San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Feb. 2022 Cue the meaty pork ribs, stacked on a bamboo leaf and glossed with a barbecue sauce flavored with bonito. Washington Post, 22 Apr. 2022 Spoon the dressing over the spinach and garnish with bonito flakes and sesame seeds. San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Feb. 2022 Add the bonito flakes and set aside, uncovered, for about 15 minutes. Washington Post, 21 Dec. 2021 At the July rodeo, Kyle Davis topped the leaderboard with a 22.24-pound bonito, a species also known as little tunny. al, 13 Sep. 2021 Fortunately, Gulf Breeze Bait and Tackle had some of the big bonito and everything clicked into place. Alan Clemons, Outdoor Life, 19 Mar. 2021 The Cantabrian cannery Don Bocarte may be known for its anchovies, but its bonito del norte (white albacore) is the real sleeper hit. Benjamin Kemper, WSJ, 17 Dec. 2020 See More Word History
Etymology
Spanish, from bonito pretty, diminutive of bueno good, from Latin bonus
First Known Use
1541, in the meaning defined above