spinning reel

American

noun

a fishing reel mounted on a spinning rod, having a stationary spool on the side of which is a revolving metal arm that catches the line and winds it onto the spool as a handle is turned, the metal arm being disengaged during casting so the line spirals freely off the spool, carried by the cast lure.

Etymology

Origin of spinning reel

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Get a medium-sized spinning reel that can hold more than 100 yards of 4- to 6-pound test fishing line.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 15, 2017

A medium-sized spinning reel holding more than 100 yards of 6-pound test fishing line is ideal.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 21, 2013

A medium-sized spinning reel that can hold at least 100 yards of 6-pound test fishing line is plenty.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 22, 2010

The rear-drag Solstace makes a good first spinning reel.

From Time Magazine Archive

He brought a rod and I got out my own and rigged a spinning reel, and had to find my glasses to tie on the bright painted popper.

From "Travels with Charley in Search of America" by John Steinbeck

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023