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

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

From Seattle Times

Under Channel swim rules, he couldn’t touch the boat or another person, so every half-hour Tracy and Roger, Channel swimmers themselves, tossed him provisions tied to a line that ran off a large spinning reel.

From Washington Post

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 Literature

Then I clamped down on the spool of the spinning reel and backed up until the line snapped.

From Literature

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

From Seattle Times