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Definition of black marlin
black marlin
Plural:black marlins
• noun
1
A large, highly migratory species of billfish (Istiompax indica) native to the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, characterized by a dark upper body and rigid pectoral fins.
Example
"During the deep-sea fishing tournament, the crew managed to catch and release a massive black marlin."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for black marlinWord Nuance & Usage
The black marlin is distinct from other marlin species because its rigid pectoral fins cannot be folded flat against its body.
• Nearby Words
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.
180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Black marlin. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 17, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/black%20marlin