Trawled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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trawled

[trɔːld ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

fishing method

Trawled refers to the act of fishing with a trawl net, often pulled behind a boat to catch fish and other sea creatures. This method is commonly used in commercial fishing and can capture a large quantity of marine life at once. It has both economic significance and concerning ecological impacts, as it can lead to overfishing and bycatch. Trawled fishing can occur in various depths of water, from shallow coastal areas to deep sea environments.

Synonyms

dragged, fished, pulled.

Examples of usage

  • The fishermen trawled the waters for shrimp.
  • After they trawled the ocean floor, they returned with a full catch.
  • We trawled the bay to find the best fishing spots.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Fishing Techniques

  • Trawling involves pulling a fishing net through the water, allowing for the capture of large quantities of fish.
  • There are different types of trawling, such as bottom trawling and mid-water trawling, which target different species.
  • Trawlers can be big ships equipped with advanced technology to locate and catch fish effectively.

Environmental Impact

  • Trawling can harm marine ecosystems by disturbing the ocean floor and catching unintended species, known as bycatch.
  • Regulations exist in many areas to manage trawling practices for sustainability, aiming to protect fish populations and habitats.
  • Research continues on more eco-friendly trawling methods to reduce the negative impact on marine life.

Information Retrieval

  • In computing, 'trawling' can refer to the process of searching for specific information in large datasets or on the internet.
  • Data scientists often use trawling techniques to extract useful insights from big data.
  • Search engines can be seen as trawlers, sifting through the vast internet to find relevant information for users.

Cultural References

  • In literature, the act of trawling is often used metaphorically to describe searching for knowledge or truth.
  • The term is used in various songs and movies, often depicting the effort of seeking something lost or important.
  • Fishing and trawling have historically been significant in many cultures, symbolizing sustenance and community.

Origin of 'trawled'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'trawl' comes from the Middle English word 'trawlen,' which means to drag.
  • It’s believed to be derived from the Old English 'trawian,' meaning to fish with a dragnet.
  • The modern sense of the word appeared in the 15th century, primarily referring to fishing techniques.

The word 'trawled' is derived from the Old English word 'tragan', which means to pull or drag. In the context of fishing, it evolved in the 14th century to denote a specific method of fishing using nets. Trawling became increasingly popular in Europe by the 18th century, particularly in the North Sea and along the British coastline. As advancements in boat design and fishing techniques progressed through the Industrial Revolution, the practice of trawling expanded significantly. The introduction of steam-powered boats in the 19th century allowed fishermen to reach deeper waters and catch larger quantities of fish more efficiently. Today, trawling is a prominent technique in commercial fisheries worldwide, although it remains a subject of debate due to its environmental effects, including habitat destruction and the unintended capture of non-target species.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,752, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.