noun
dragnet
DRAG-neht
Dragnet (noun) means a large net dragged along a riverbed or seabed to catch fish or find objects. Example: “Fishermen used a dragnet to haul in the catch.”
noun
1
A large net dragged along a riverbed or seabed to catch fish or find objects.
"Fishermen used a dragnet to haul in the catch."
2
A coordinated, wide-scale search by police to catch a suspect.
"Police launched a dragnet across the city after the robbery."
How to use dragnet
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA wide, thorough search — literally a fishing net, or figuratively a police manhunt.
Common pairings
police dragnet
cast a dragnet
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Word forms
- Plural
- dragnets
- Third person singular
- dragnets
- Past tense
- dragnetted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Fishermen used a _____ to haul in the catch.
Etymology
From drag + net, echoing the Old English draegnet.
Synonyms
View more →
trawl
trawl net
Related words
Rhymes for dragnet
See all rhymes for dragnet →Frequently asked questions
What does “dragnet” mean?
The word “dragnet” means a large net dragged along a riverbed or seabed to catch fish or find objects. In plain terms, a wide, thorough search — literally a fishing net, or figuratively a police manhunt.
How do you pronounce “dragnet”?
“Dragnet” is pronounced DRAG-neht (/ˈdɹæɡˌnɛt/ in IPA).
How do you use “dragnet” in a sentence?
Here is “dragnet” used in a sentence: “Fishermen used a dragnet to haul in the catch.”
What part of speech is “dragnet”?
“Dragnet” is a noun.
Where does the word “dragnet” come from?
The word “dragnet” comes from Old English. From drag + net, echoing the Old English draegnet.
How many meanings does “dragnet” have?
“Dragnet” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a large net dragged along a riverbed or seabed to catch fish or find objects.
