Search Dictionary
Definition of ling

ling

/lɪŋ/
ling
Plural:lings
JUMP TO:

ling Lexical Profile

ling Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An elongated, commercially valuable marine fish of the cod family, native to the deep waters of the North Atlantic Ocean.

Example

"The local fishermen returned to port with a heavy catch of ling and haddock."

2

British A low-growing evergreen shrub of the heath family, characterized by small pinkish-purple flowers, widely found on the moors of Europe and Asia Minor.

Example

"The rolling Scottish highlands were beautifully carpeted with purple ling in the late summer."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for ling

• Rhymes for ling

• Nearby Words

liner
linesman
lineup
ling
lingcod
linger
lingerer

Word Origin & Etymology

The word has two distinct origins: as a fish, it derives from Middle English 'lenge', likely related to its 'long' shape; as a plant (heather), it stems from Old Norse 'lyng'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Ling. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/ling
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.