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Synonyms

fishing

American  
[fish-ing] / ˈfɪʃ ɪŋ /

noun

  1. the act of catching fish.

    Fishing is not allowed in this park.

  2. the technique, occupation, or diversion of catching fish.

    A day at sea with Floyd has greatly improved my fishing.

  3. the conditions for catching fish.

    The fishing is exceptionally good today.

  4. Archaic. a place or facility for catching fish.

fishing British  
/ ˈfɪʃɪŋ /

noun

    1. the occupation of catching fish

    2. ( as modifier )

      a fishing match

  2. another word for piscary

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of fishing

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English fisshing; fish, -ing 1

Vocabulary lists containing fishing

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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.

It is a vital shipping route, and home to rich fishing grounds that support the livelihoods of millions of people across the region.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

Philippine Navy spokesman Rear Adm Roy Vincent Trinidad said Filipino troops had seized 10 bottles of cyanide from sampan boats allegedly launched from Chinese fishing vessels in February, July and October last year.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

More than half of the world's fishing vessels operate in the area.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

Some who rely on fishing for their livelihood are hoping this year might mark the start of a long path toward regaining what they’ve lost.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2026

Liam was gone, probably fishing at the edge of the bay, but the others were in the back field.

From "Nory Ryan’s Song" by Patricia Reilly Giff

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

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.