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

Volunteers can adopt a fishing line recovery bin in their area. —Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 May 2025

As the captain of fishing trips in December 2022 and summer 2023, Barfield grabbed a 12-gauge shotgun upon seeing dolphins feeding on snapper attached to his clients’ fishing lines, prosecutors said. —Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 23 May 2025

Even if O’Connell’s Vikings are above average once again, their margins for error will be as thin as a fishing line cast onto one of Minnesota’s lakes. —Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2025

Attach a saucer or cup of water above or below the feeder to attach to the fishing line. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 18 May 2025

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