angler
angler Lexical Profile
angler Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A person who fishes with a rod, line, and hook, especially for sport or recreation rather than commercially with nets.
"The patient angler stood knee-deep in the mountain stream, casting his line toward the shaded riverbank."
Any predatory marine bony fish of the order Lophiiformes, inhabiting benthic and deep-sea habitats worldwide and characterized by an enormous, wide-mouthed head and a modified dorsal fin spine tipped with a fleshy lure used to attract prey.
"Camouflaged against the sandy ocean floor, the angler wiggled its luminescent lure to draw smaller fish within striking distance."
A person who schemes or uses artful, indirect methods to obtain something they desire, such as favor, attention, or profit.
"He was a shrewd political angler, always dropping subtle hints to secure a promotion from the committee."
• Rhymes for angler
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in the mid-16th century from the verb 'angle' (meaning to fish with a hook and line) plus the agent suffix '-er'. The verb comes from the Old English noun 'angel' (fishhook), which is related to the Proto-Indo-European root '*ank-' meaning 'to bend'.