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 1984, Craig launched heli-fishing, using helicopters to ferry anglers to pristine alpine rivers no one had ever cast a line in, and the lodge's reputation exploded. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Jan. 2026

On the first Saturday of February, the Northern Challenge Ice Fishing Derby has winter anglers compete in the northern pike contest on Simon Pond. —Lauren Breedlove, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026

Brookings Fly Shop has been guiding anglers on wade and float trips for over 35 years. —Jen Murphy, Outside, 7 Jan. 2026

Someday, anglers might again be able to fish for white sharks, but Cleri isn't worried about anyone else getting his record. —Jack Perry, The Providence Journal, 5 Jan. 2026

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