fishnet: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to informal (depending on context). The fishing sense is standard; the clothing sense is common in fashion/wardrobe contexts.
Quick answer
What does “fishnet” mean?
A net for catching fish.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A net for catching fish.
A fabric with an open, diamond-shaped mesh; most commonly used to describe 'fishnet stockings' or tights.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both use 'fishnet' for the fabric/stockings identically.
Connotations
In both varieties, 'fishnet stockings' or 'fishnets' can carry connotations ranging from utilitarian (e.g., for dancers) to fashion-forward, to provocatively stylish, depending heavily on context.
Frequency
The clothing sense ('fishnet stockings/tights') is likely more frequent in everyday use than the literal fishing net sense for most speakers.
Grammar
How to Use “fishnet” in a Sentence
[noun] made of fishnet[verb] + fishnet + [noun] (e.g., 'wear fishnet stockings')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fishnet” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- No established verb use.
American English
- No established verb use.
adverb
British English
- No adverb use.
American English
- No adverb use.
adjective
British English
- She bought some fishnet tights for the party.
- The costume featured fishnet sleeves.
American English
- He wore fishnet gloves as part of his stage outfit.
- The dancer preferred fishnet stockings for practice.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in specific industries like fishing gear manufacturing or fashion retail.
Academic
Rare, may appear in historical, cultural, or material studies texts.
Everyday
Common in contexts discussing clothing, fashion, or fishing hobbies.
Technical
Used in textiles (mesh specifications) and fisheries.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fishnet”
- Confusing 'fishnet' (the material) with 'fishing net' (the tool). 'Fishnet' as a compound noun is used attributively (fishnet stockings). 'Fishing net' is a noun phrase for the tool.
- Misspelling as two words ('fish net') for the fabric term; as a compound, it's typically one word or hyphenated ('fish-net'), though 'fishnet' is standard.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
For the fabric/clothing meaning, it is standard as one word: 'fishnet'. For the literal fishing tool, it can be written as one word ('fishnet') or two ('fishing net'), with 'fishing net' being more precise for the tool.
Yes, primarily in an attributive position (before a noun), e.g., 'fishnet stockings', 'fishnet fabric'. It is not typically used as a predicate adjective (e.g., 'The stockings are fishnet' is less common).
'Mesh' is a general term for any material with interconnected open spaces. 'Fishnet' specifically refers to a type of mesh with a distinct diamond-shaped pattern, named after its resemblance to traditional fishing nets.
No. While sometimes used for a bold or provocative look, fishnets are also standard in many dance and performance costumes (e.g., ballet, theatre), in utility wear, and as a neutral fashion element in various subcultures and mainstream fashion. Context is key.
A net for catching fish.
Fishnet is usually neutral to informal (depending on context). the fishing sense is standard; the clothing sense is common in fashion/wardrobe contexts. in register.
Fishnet: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfɪʃnɛt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfɪʃˌnɛt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to 'fishnet' as a standalone term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the word in two parts: FISH (like the animal) + NET (a web of strings). It's literally a net for fish, or a fabric that looks like that net.
Conceptual Metaphor
MATERIAL IS ITS SOURCE/PATTERN (A fabric is named 'fishnet' because its pattern resembles the net used to catch fish).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'fishnet' MOST likely to be used in everyday conversation?