fishing
UK: ˈfɪʃɪŋ | US: ˈfɪʃɪŋ
n. the activity of catching fish, either for sport or food
v. (gerund/present participle of "fish") the act of trying to catch fish
The word "fishing" derives from the Old English "fiscian," meaning "to catch fish," which itself comes from the Proto-Germanic "*fiskōną." The root "fish" has remained consistent in spelling and meaning across centuries, referring to aquatic vertebrates. The suffix "-ing" transforms the verb into a noun denoting the action or practice, a common pattern in English (e.g., "hunting," "swimming"). The term reflects humanity's long-standing reliance on aquatic resources, with the activity evolving from subsistence to recreation.
Fishing is a popular hobby in coastal towns.
They went fishing early in the morning to avoid the heat.
Sustainable fishing practices protect marine ecosystems.
He enjoys fly-fishing in mountain streams.
The village economy depends heavily on fishing.