marlin

1 of 2

noun (1)

mar·​lin ˈmär-lən 

: any of several large marine billfishes (genera Makaira and Kajikia) that are notable sport fishes

marline

2 of 2

noun (2)

mar·​line ˈmär-lən 

variants or less commonly marlin

: a small usually tarred line of two strands twisted loosely left-handed that is used especially for seizing and as a covering for wire rope

Examples of marlin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Kiko’s also dishes out a variety of other seafood tacos, including octopus, shrimp, smoked marlin and mahi mahi. — Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 June 2026

But that is not the case, as the largest animals are not the fastest, and the fastest animals (cheetahs, marlins, falcons) are of intermediate size. — Literary Hub, 22 June 2026

Big Rock tournament organizers announced the historic catch on Facebook and shared plenty of photos of the marlin, along with the celebration that followed. — Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 11 June 2026

Farther out in the Gulf waters, offshore trophies such as tuna, kingfish, sailfish, and marlin prove bountiful game. — Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 19 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

short for marlinspike; from the appearance of its beak

Noun (2)

Middle English merlyn, probably from Middle Low German marlinc, merlinc, from mēren to tie, moor

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1917, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing marlin

• blue marlin
• white marlin

Rhymes for marlin

• carlin
• macfarlane

Kids Definition

marlin

noun

mar·​lin ˈmär-lən 

: any of several large saltwater sport fishes related to sailfishes