angler

noun

an·​gler ˈaŋ-glər 

plural anglers

1

: a person who catches fish with a hook and fishing line : someone who angles (see angle entry 3 sense 1)

Catching striped bass isn't especially difficult for properly equipped anglers.

—Buddy Mays

The hunt is on … for that special fish that will land some lucky angler in the record book.

—The Springfield (Massachusetts) Union News

2

: anglerfish

… contestants will be asked to cook a hot dish of angler or monkfish with vegetables for 15 diners; angler is a fish known for its unattractive appearance.

—Estefany Maya

Examples of angler in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In practicality, this wonky-sounding piece of legislation will mean boaters and anglers interested in recreating on a federal river or lake will one day be able to find that information easily from their phones or computers. —Christine Peterson, Outdoor Life, 18 Dec. 2025

The moon rose early that day and Smith’s anglers caught a massive 546-pound swordfish. —Steve Waters, Miami Herald, 14 Dec. 2025

Earlier this fall, an angler digging for fishing worms found a massive medieval treasure hoard outside of Stockholm. —Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 11 Dec. 2025

The lake’s quiet coves and clear water also offer some of the South’s finest (and most underrated) fishing opportunities for fly anglers. —Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 4 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English angler, angleer, from anglen "to angle entry 3" + -er -er entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for angler

• strangler

Kids Definition

angler

noun

an·​gler ˈaŋ-glər 

1

: a person who fishes with hook and line especially for pleasure

2

: anglerfish