fish

²fish

verb

Definition of FISH

intransitive verb

1

: to attempt to catch fish

2

: to seek something by roundabout means <fishing for a compliment>

3

a : to search for something underwater <fish for pearls> b : to engage in a search by groping or feeling <fishing around in her purse for her keys>

transitive verb

1

a : to try to catch fish in b : to fish with : use (as a boat, net, or bait) in fishing

2

a : to go fishing for <fish salmon> b : to pull or draw as if fishing <fished the ball from under the car> <fish wires through a conduit>

— fish·abil·i·ty \ˌfi-shə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

— fish·able \ˈfi-shə-bəl\ adjective

— fish or cut bait

: to make a choice between alternatives

Examples of FISH

1. We spent the afternoon fishing for trout.
2. They fished the stream all morning.
3. She was fishing around in her purse for her keys.

First Known Use of FISH

before 12th century

Related to FISH

Synonyms: feel, grope, fumble, scrabble

Related Words: grabble; cast about, hunt, look, reach, seek (out); capture, clutch, corral, get, grab, nab, nail, seize, snatch; comb, dig (through), dredge, rake, ransack, rifle, rummage, scour

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