1. a small silvery fish that lives in large groups in northern seas and is commonly eaten as food
2. something used to divert attention from the real issue or problem
Usage: usually in the phrase ‘red herring’

Examples

• The fishermen caught a large school of herring.
• Pickled herring is a popular dish in Scandinavia.
• Herring swim in massive groups called schools.
• The detective realized the witness’s story was a red herring.
• Don’t let that argument be a red herring from the main point.
• Atlantic herring are an important commercial fish.
• The herring industry supports many coastal communities.