noun
marlin
MAHR-lihn
noun
1
A large game fish with a long, spear-like upper jaw and a tall dorsal fin.
"The anglers spent all day trying to hook a marlin."
"A mounted marlin hung above the bar in the fishing lodge."
How to Use Marlin
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA large ocean fish prized by sport fishermen for its size and fighting spirit.
Common pairings
catch a marlin
blue marlin
marlin fishing
Word Forms
marlin plural, marlins plural, Marlins plural
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Etymology
Shortened from marlinspike, a pointed tool used in ropework, because of the fish's similarly pointed snout.