fisherman

[ fish-er-muhn ]

noun

, plural fish·er·men.

1. a person who fishes, whether for profit or pleasure.
2. a ship used in fishing.

adjective

1. Also fisherman's. Knitting. of, relating to, or designating a knitting pattern consisting primarily of cable-stitches executed in a characteristically thick, traditionally off-white yarn, or a garment made in this pattern and yarn:

   a fisherman sweater.

fisherman

/ ˈfɪʃəmən /

noun

1. a person who fishes as a profession or for sport
2. a vessel used for fishing

Other Words From

• non·fish·er·man noun plural nonfishermen

Word History and Origins

Origin of fisherman¹

1400–50; late Middle English fissherman; fisher, -man

Example Sentences

A silvery 10-foot-long creature, the oarfish has fueled fisherman’s tales of sea serpents — and in some cultures has been a portent of natural disasters.

From Los Angeles Times

You may never have heard of this single-celled alga, but sailors and fishermen know its effect very well: the P. lunula algae are the organisms that occasionally make the see glow blue.

From Science Daily

Younger fishermen reported smaller catches and fish sizes than older generations, but a larger proportion of the younger group believe that fish stocks are not in decline.

From Science Daily

The mysterious whale first came to public attention five years ago when it approached fishermen off the northern coast of Norway.

From BBC

He was met with shouts of "we love you, William" and chatted to local fishermen and women involved in the programme.

From BBC

Related Words

• fisher
• trawler