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
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.
Volunteers can adopt a fishing line recovery bin in their area. Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 June 2025 After the fruit slices are dried, string them on a fishing line with a thread and needles, and hang the garland around your home to bring the colors of summer inside. Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 June 2025 Most of the patients were harmed due to interaction with the human world, be it getting tangled in netting or fishing line, swallowing a fish hook or getting struck by a boat, said Gumbo Limbo Nature Center Manager Leann Welch. Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 17 June 2025 Fishermen recently learned that when a great white shark suddenly appeared, and chomped on a striped bass that was on their fishing line. Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for fishing line

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fishing line was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Fishing line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fishing%20line. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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