Search Dictionary
Definition of fishing

fishing

/ˈfɪʃ.ɪŋ/
fish · ing
JUMP TO:

fishing Lexical Profile

fishing Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The activity, sport, or commercial business of catching fish, typically by using a rod, line, net, or trap.

Example

"They spent a peaceful Sunday morning fishing along the banks of the mountain stream."

2

An indirect or subtle attempt to elicit information, praise, or a desired response from someone.

Example

"Her self-deprecating remarks about her painting were clearly just fishing for compliments."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for fishing

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'fishing' with its homophone 'phishing', which refers to a cybercrime technique used to fraudulently obtain sensitive personal information.

• Rhymes for fishing

• Nearby Words

fishhook
fishily
fishiness
fishing
fishless
fishlike
fishline

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'fiscung', a verbal noun derived from 'fiscian' (to catch fish), ultimately from Proto-Germanic '*fiskōną'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Fishing. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/fishing
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.