spinning reel

noun

1. a fishing reel mounted on a spinning rod, having a stationary spool on the side of which is a revolving metal arm that catches the line and winds it onto the spool as a handle is turned, the metal arm being disengaged during casting so the line spirals freely off the spool, carried by the cast lure.

Word History and Origins

Origin of spinning reel¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Get a medium-sized spinning reel that can hold more than 100 yards of 4- to 6-pound test fishing line.

From Seattle Times

Under Channel swim rules, he couldn’t touch the boat or another person, so every half-hour Tracy and Roger, Channel swimmers themselves, tossed him provisions tied to a line that ran off a large spinning reel.

From Washington Post

The gear to catch them on is nothing too sophisticated, just a light-to-medium-action rod with a spinning reel attached to 4- to 6-pound test line.

From Seattle Times

The gear to catch them on is nothing too sophisticated, just a light-to-medium-action rod with a spinning reel attached to 4- to 6-pound test line.

From Seattle Times

He brought a rod and I got out my own and rigged a spinning reel, and had to find my glasses to tie on the bright painted popper.

From Literature