fishing line

noun

: a long line or cord attached to a hook and used for fishing

also : the type of line designed for this purpose

a length of fishing line

—used specifically for a strong, usually monofilament cord made from a polymer (such as nylon or Dacron)

… is held firm in the pot by plaster of paris and covered with sphagnum moss bound with clear fishing line.

—Patricia Leigh Brown

Just about any string, cord or thread will do for a kite line, but because the best line supplied adequate strength with minimal wind resistance and weight, a thin, strong line is clearly better than a thick, weak one. Monofilament fishing line has both qualities, but many kiters shun it for the same reason fishermen curse it: it gets hopelessly tangled up in itself.

—Robert Kimber

Examples of fishing line in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Family members of Filipino fishermen placing bait on fishing lines in Quezon, Palawan, the Philippines, last May. —Jay Ganglani, NBC news, 3 May 2026

In 2017, a whale that had become entangled in fishing lines in the North Atlantic was freed by an experienced whale rescuer, then promptly killed the man with a flick of its fluke. —Robin Romm, The Atlantic, 2 May 2026

Nahida Bristy’s remains were found Sunday in a garbage bag discovered by a kayaker whose fishing line got snagged, said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. —Mike Schneider, Sun Sentinel, 1 May 2026

On Sunday, April 26, kayakers discovered the remains in mangroves near Interstate 275 and 4th Street North after a fishing line became caught on a trash bag. —Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fishing line

• acridine
• alkaline
• andesine
• anodyne
• anticline
• arginine
• asinine
• atropine
• benzidine
• borderline
• byzantine
• calamine