spinning reel

noun

: a fishing reel with a nonmoving spool on which the line is wound by means of a revolving arm which can be disengaged to allow the line to spiral freely off the spool during casting

Examples of spinning reel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web His light-line setup included a specialized 12-foot rod with an extra supple tip paired with a spinning reel. Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 14 Feb. 2024 There’s a mechanism to keep it from free-spooling, and most reels have a drag just like a spinning reel. Idaho Statesman, 31 Jan. 2024 Large spinning reels with stainless steel gears, carbon fiber drags, forged internal parts, and tons of line capacity may be a requirement when targeting big tarpon around bridges. Jerry Audet, Field & Stream, 19 July 2023 The reels also can hold heavier fishing line for their size than spinning reels, and are stronger and better equipped to put the brakes on bigger fish. Sage Marshall, Field & Stream, 19 July 2023 Weight Not to be confused with weight rating, a spinning reel’s actual weight is another concern, as extra ounces can wear on your hands and arms after long days on the water. Justin Park, Popular Mechanics, 11 May 2023 To pursue big-game fish offshore, look for a burly oversized spinning reel. Sage Marshall, Field & Stream, 20 Mar. 2023 Not enough tension resulted in loosely spooled line that spiraled off spinning reel spools and caused unfixable tangles in baitcasters. The Editors, Field & Stream, 1 June 2020 Here’s a great video that outlines the basic parts of a spinning reel. Amanda Monthei, Outside Online, 24 Apr. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spinning reel.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spinning reel was in 1950

Dictionary Entries Near spinning reel

Cite this Entry

“Spinning reel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spinning%20reel. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

spinning reel

noun
: a fishing reel that has a moving arm which winds the line around the spool and which locks out of the way during casting so the line can wind off freely
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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