English Reference

Word

marlin

Phoneticsmar·lin

US/ˈmɑɹɫən/

UK/mˈɑːlɪn/

Definition

n. a very large sea fish with a long, pointed nose that looks like a spear. People often try to catch them for sport because they are fast and strong.

n. a large marine game fish belonging to the family Istiophoridae, characterised by an elongated body and a spear-like rostrum. Found primarily in tropical and temperate oceanic waters.

Examples

“The fisherman spent hours trying to catch a giant marlin.”

“Blue marlin are among the fastest swimmers in the ocean and are highly prized by deep-sea anglers.”

“The novella depicts an epic struggle between an aging fisherman and a massive marlin, serving as a meditation on endurance and the primal relationship between man and nature.”

Examples

simple

“The fisherman spent hours trying to catch a giant marlin.”

contextual

“Blue marlin are among the fastest swimmers in the ocean and are highly prized by deep-sea anglers.”

complex

“The novella depicts an epic struggle between an aging fisherman and a massive marlin, serving as a meditation on endurance and the primal relationship between man and nature.”

Usage

The plural can be either 'marlin' or 'marlins'; 'marlin' is more common in a sporting or commercial context.

Real-World Examples

“However, these species—such as dorado, striped marlin and yellowfin tuna—have already extended their ranges north along the West Coast as marine heat waves have warmed coastal waters without El Niño.”
Phys.org · 5 Sept 2026

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