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.
The 2022 state record was also caught off Hatteras, by an angler from New Jersey, according to Sport Fishing magazine. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 28 Aug. 2026 The anglers used a special saddle-style weighing apparatus to check each laker’s weight. — Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 27 Aug. 2026 It’s been a big year for Idaho fishing records, and another angler just landed the biggest of them all. — Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 26 Aug. 2026 One of the larger businesses at the harbor, Oceanside Sea Center, operates five boats including two 60-foot-long vessels and the 65-foot Southern Cal, certified to carry as many as 72 anglers. — Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 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 1 Sep. 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

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