First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1troll
verb \ˈtrōl\
: to fish with a hook and line that you pull through the water
: to search for or try to get (something)
: to search through (something)
Full Definition of TROLL
transitive verb
1
: to cause to move round and round : roll
2
a : to sing the parts of (as a round or catch) in succession b : to sing loudly c : to celebrate in song
3
intransitive verb
1
: to move around : ramble
2
3
: to sing or play in a jovial manner
4
: to speak rapidly
— troll·er noun
See troll defined for English-language learners
See troll defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of TROLL
Middle English, probably from Anglo-French *troiller, *troller; akin to Anglo-French troil, trolle winch
Related to TROLL
- Synonyms
- comb, dig (through), dredge, hunt (through), rake, ransack, rifle, rummage, scour, sort (through), search
2troll
noun
Definition of TROLL
: a lure or a line with its lure and hook used in trolling
First Known Use of TROLL
1869
3troll
noun
Definition of TROLL
: a dwarf or giant in Scandinavian folklore inhabiting caves or hills
Origin of TROLL
Norwegian troll & Dan trold, from Old Norse troll giant, demon; probably akin to Middle High German trolle lout
First Known Use: 1616
TROLL Defined for Kids
1troll
noun \ˈtrōl\
Definition of TROLL for Kids
: a dwarf or giant of folklore living in caves or hills
2troll
verb
trolledtroll·ing
Definition of TROLL for Kids
1
: to sing the parts of (a song) in succession
2
: to fish with a hook and line pulled along through the water
3troll
noun
Definition of TROLL for Kids
: a lure or a line with its lure and hook drawn through the water in fishing
Learn More About TROLL
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up troll? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).