spinning reel

American  

noun

1. 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

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

From Seattle Times • Apr. 19, 2014

You don’t need any high-tech gear to catch them, and usually a light salmon fishing rod with a spinning reel using 6- to 10-pound test line will get the job done.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 28, 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

With a spinning reel, you want to make sure the line-release trigger guard doesn't have any nicks.

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