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

High winds overturned a boat with three anglers on Lake Pueblo at about 8 p.m. Friday, near Bogg’s Creek Cove, according to a news release from the agency. —Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 3 June 2025

The Columbia River and its tributaries have anglers firmly on the hook as renowned fishing spots. —Zoe Baillargeon, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2025

Our fishing was pretty much on par with what DNR conservation officers encountered while checking anglers on the lake and river for the opener. —Brad Dokken, Twin Cities, 18 May 2025

Under the traditional model, state wildlife agencies have largely been funded by the license fees paid by hunters and anglers, plus federal excise taxes on equipment such as guns and fishing tackle. —Tribune News Service, Boston Herald, 11 May 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