noun

marlin

MAHR-lihn

Marlin (noun) means a large game fish with a long, spear-like upper jaw and a tall dorsal fin. Example: “The anglers spent all day trying to hook a marlin.”

noun

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 notes

In 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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The anglers spent all day trying to hook a _____.

Etymology

Shortened from marlinspike, a pointed tool used in ropework, because of the fish's similarly pointed snout.

Rhymes for marlin

Carlin

See all rhymes for marlin →

Frequently asked questions

What does “marlin” mean?

The word “marlin” means a large game fish with a long, spear-like upper jaw and a tall dorsal fin. In plain terms, a large ocean fish prized by sport fishermen for its size and fighting spirit.

How do you pronounce “marlin”?

“Marlin” is pronounced MAHR-lihn (/ˈmɑɹ.lɪn/ in IPA).

How do you use “marlin” in a sentence?

Here is “marlin” used in a sentence: “The anglers spent all day trying to hook a marlin.”

What part of speech is “marlin”?

“Marlin” is a noun.