fisherman

American  

[fish-er-muhn] / ˈfɪʃ ər mən /

noun

plural

fishermen

1. a person who fishes, whether for profit or pleasure.

2. a ship used in fishing.

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adjective

1. Knitting. Also fisherman's of, relating to, or designating a knitting pattern consisting primarily of cable-stitches executed in a characteristically thick, traditionally off-white yarn, or a garment made in this pattern and yarn.

   a fisherman sweater.

fisherman British  

/ ˈfɪʃəmən /

noun

1. a person who fishes as a profession or for sport

2. a vessel used for fishing

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Other Word Forms

• nonfisherman noun

Etymology

Origin of fisherman

1400–50; late Middle English fissherman; see fisher, -man

Example Sentences

The fisherman was bruised but not particularly surprised.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

As a commercial fisherman, together with your wife’s salary, you were both able to provide yourselves with a generous and bountiful retirement.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 19, 2026

With his belongings stuffed into a plastic bag, Thai fisherman Narongsak Kongsuk heads home, far from the sea.

From Barron's • Mar. 18, 2026

The death of Alaska fisherman Phil Harris, of ‘Deadliest Catch,’ is met with tributes.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 3, 2026

And Joe—Fritz said Joe was a born fisherman.

From "Miracles on Maple Hill" by Virginia Sorensen

Related Words

• fisher
• trawler