fishing expedition

noun

1
: a legal interrogation or examination to discover information for a later proceeding
2
: an investigation that does not stick to a stated objective but hopes to uncover incriminating or newsworthy evidence

Examples of fishing expedition in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
To top it off, the Snake River and other private creeks on the property allow for exclusive fishing expeditions. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 16 June 2025 The marina is easily accessible for boating, fishing expeditions, and leisurely excursions. Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025 Travelers can take excursions that include island buggy tours and kayak fishing expeditions. Mark Ellwood, AFAR Media, 26 May 2025 Little River is around 20 miles up the coast from Myrtle Beach and is known for fishing expeditions, dolphin cruises and casino boats that leave daily from the docks. Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for fishing expedition

Word History

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fishing expedition was in 1874

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fishing expedition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fishing%20expedition. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Legal Definition

fishing expedition

noun
fish·​ing ex·​pe·​di·​tion
-ˌek-spə-ˈdi-shən
1
: an inquiry (as by the use of discovery) that is unnecessarily extensive or unrelated to the lawsuit
2
: an investigation that does not stick to a stated objective but hopes to uncover incriminating or newsworthy evidence
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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