angler

noun

an·​gler ˈaŋ-glər How to pronounce angler (audio)
plural anglers
Synonyms of anglernext
1
: a person who catches fish with a hook and fishing line : someone who angles (see angle entry 3 sense 1)
Catching striped bass isn't especially difficult for properly equipped anglers.—Buddy Mays
The hunt is on … for that special fish that will land some lucky angler in the record book.—The Springfield (Massachusetts) Union News
2
: anglerfish
… contestants will be asked to cook a hot dish of angler or monkfish with vegetables for 15 diners; angler is a fish known for its unattractive appearance.—Estefany Maya

Examples of angler in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Fly fishing gear is expensive; prices have been climbing, and some anglers may be looking for ways to stay on the water without absorbing the full cost of new equipment. — William Jones, USA Today, 6 Aug. 2026 The property’s Coastal Concierge, Natalie Strandquist, is a lifelong angler and fishing tournament competitor herself. — Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 3 Aug. 2026 Many trout anglers let their catch swim free after netting it. — Matthew Brown, Fortune, 1 Aug. 2026 Fishing trips from King Salmon can take many forms, from drifting the broad Naknek River in a metal skiff boat to hopping aboard a floatplane for waters that see few other anglers all season. — Bailey Berg, Travel + Leisure, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for angler

Word History

Etymology

Middle English angler, angleer, from anglen "to angle entry 3" + -er -er entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of angler was in the 15th century

Rhymes for angler

See All Rhymes for angler

Browse Nearby Words

anglepod
angler
angle rafter
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Angler.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/angler. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

angler

noun
an·​gler ˈaŋ-glər How to pronounce angler (audio)
1
: a person who fishes with hook and line especially for pleasure
2
: anglerfish

More from Merriam-Webster on angler

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for angler

Nglish: Translation of angler for Spanish Speakers

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