fishing
FIH-shihng
Fishing (noun) means the activity or sport of catching fish. Example: “They spent the weekend fishing on the lake.”
noun
1
The activity or sport of catching fish.
"They spent the weekend fishing on the lake."
"My uncle takes me fishing every summer, and we usually catch very little."
"Fishing is a quiet hobby that helps many people relax."
2
The industry of catching fish and seafood commercially.
"This is good news for the fishing industry."
"Fishing has been the town's main industry for generations."
"Many families in the harbour village depend on fishing for their income."
"New rules on fishing aim to protect the fish stocks of the coast."
How to use fishing
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe activity of catching fish, as a hobby or a business.
Common pairings
go fishing
fishing trip
fishing industry
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Word forms
- Plural
- fishings
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They spent the weekend _____ on the lake.
Etymology
From Middle English fischynge, from fish plus -ing.
Synonyms
View more →
angling
sport fishing
piscatology
piscation
piscicide
piscicapture
the gentle craft
fishery
the seafood industry
the fish industry
sportfishing
Related words
Rhymes for fishing
dishing
phishing
swishing
vanishing
perishing
finishing
punishing
polishing
ravishing
nourishing
publishing
furnishing
See all rhymes for fishing →
Frequently asked questions
What does “fishing” mean?
The word “fishing” means the activity or sport of catching fish. In plain terms, the activity of catching fish, as a hobby or a business.
How do you pronounce “fishing”?
“Fishing” is pronounced FIH-shihng (/ˈfɪʃɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “fishing” in a sentence?
Here is “fishing” used in a sentence: “They spent the weekend fishing on the lake.”
What is another word for “fishing”?
Words with a similar meaning to “fishing” include piscatology, piscation, piscicide, piscicapture, the gentle craft and fishery.
What part of speech is “fishing”?
“Fishing” is a noun.
Where does the word “fishing” come from?
The word “fishing” comes from Middle English. From Middle English fischynge, from fish plus -ing.
Is “fishing” a common word?
“Fishing” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “fishing” have?
“Fishing” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the activity or sport of catching fish.
What are the types of fishing?
Fishing takes many forms. It can be freshwater or saltwater, and popular styles include fly fishing, coarse fishing, sea and deep-sea fishing, and ice fishing. There is also a broad split between recreational fishing, done for sport or relaxation, and commercial fishing, which supplies fish for food.
What is the difference between fishing and angling?
Angling is a specific kind of fishing that uses a rod, line, and hook, and it usually refers to the recreational sport. Fishing is the broader term, covering angling as well as methods like netting and trawling, and it includes large-scale commercial operations, not just sport.
What equipment do you need for fishing?
The basics for most fishing are a rod, a reel, and a line fitted with hooks, plus bait or lures to attract the fish. Anglers often add floats, weights, a landing net, and a tackle box. The exact gear depends on the fish you want and the water you fish.
Is fishing a sport or a hobby?
It can be both. Many people fish purely as a relaxing hobby or pastime, while competitive angling is recognised as a sport with matches and records. Fishing can also be an occupation, as in commercial fishing, so the same word covers leisure, sport, and livelihood.
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