spinning reel

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of spinning reel¹

First recorded in 1945–50