What does ling mean?
A ling is a long, slender marine fish belonging to the cod family. Its firm white flesh is valued for cooking, and the European ling is especially important in British and northern European cuisines, where it may be served smoked, baked, poached, or prepared in stews. The name can refer narrowly to the European ling and more broadly to related species found in northern seas. Although ling resembles a cod in its general appearance and culinary use, it is generally more elongated and is identified by a distinctive small barbel beneath the chin. In British usage, the expression “North Atlantic ling” helps distinguish the European species from related fishes sold under similar names. The word is also familiar from fish-and-chip shops, where ling can appear alongside cod, haddock, and other common varieties.
nounA long, slender marine fish of the cod family, having a small barbel beneath the chin and found in the North Atlantic. The term can also refer to related species called lings.
- A long, slender marine fish of the cod family, especially the European ling.
- A related fish found in northern waters, including the North Atlantic and Arctic seas.
"The restaurant served smoked ling with potatoes and lemon."
"Fresh ling is often served baked with herbs."
"Fishermen caught a large ling near the edge of the continental shelf."
The plural is used when referring to multiple fish of the kind, particularly in fishing, biological, or market contexts.
"Several large lings were displayed at the fish market."
A ling can grow to resemble a long, silvery submarine, but it is a fish rather than a vessel.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does ling come from?
The word entered Middle English from Old Norse, where it referred to a long marine fish. Its Germanic connections also include forms associated with length or remaining, reflected in English words such as linger. The modern sense developed through the fish’s use in northern European markets and cuisine.
Related word forms
How ling is actually used
The unqualified term is especially associated with the European ling, known in British usage as the North Atlantic ling. In North American usage, ling more often refers to various species of the related ling family.
Easily confused with ling
A ling is a member of the cod family, while a lingcod is a different Pacific fish of the family formerly called the lingcod family.
Ling is a fish, whereas lino is short for linoleum, a floor covering.