angler: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1neutral (everyday), technical (zoology)
Quick answer
What does “angler” mean?
A person who fishes with a rod and line.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who fishes with a rod and line.
1. A fisherman, especially a recreational one. 2. [Zoology] Any fish of the order Lophiiformes (e.g., anglerfish) that uses a fleshy, lure-like growth to attract prey.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The word is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
Both carry a hobbyist, peaceful, patient connotation.
Frequency
Similar frequency. Slightly more literary/formal than 'fisherman' in everyday speech in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “angler” in a Sentence
Angler + verb (fishes, catches, waits)Adjective + angler (keen, experienced)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “angler” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He loves to angle for trout in the Scottish lochs.
American English
- They angle for bass in the lake every weekend.
adjective
British English
- Angling equipment is sold at the tackle shop.
- The angling club meets on Tuesdays.
American English
- He bought new angling gear for his trip.
- The state's angling regulations are strict.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in tourism/outdoor retail (e.g., 'catering to the angler market').
Academic
Used in biology/zoology for 'anglerfish'.
Everyday
Common for hobbyist fishing.
Technical
Specific term in ichthyology for Lophiiformes.
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “angler”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “angler”
- Using 'angler' for a professional deep-sea fisherman (use 'fisherman').
- Misspelling as 'anglar'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Mostly yes, but 'angler' strongly implies using a rod and line, often for sport, while 'fisherman' can include net fishing and commercial fishing.
Yes, 'angler' is gender-neutral. The term 'angler' applies regardless of gender. 'Angler' is used, though 'fisherwoman' is also an option.
It is a deep-sea fish named for its method of hunting: it has a fleshy, bioluminescent lure on its head to attract prey, metaphorically 'fishing' for them.
'Angling' specifically refers to fishing with a hook and line (rod). 'Fishing' is the general term covering all methods (nets, traps, lines, etc.).
A person who fishes with a rod and line.
Angler is usually neutral (everyday), technical (zoology) in register.
Angler: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæŋɡlə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæŋɡlər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “An old angler never loses his bait. (proverb about experience)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the ANGLE of the fishing rod. An ANGLER uses a rod to fish at an ANGLE.
Conceptual Metaphor
PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE (anglers are stereotypically patient). LIFE IS A GAME OF CHANCE (fishing involves luck).
Practice
Quiz
In a biological context, an 'angler' can refer to: