ling

Ling is a term that can refer to several distinct topics. In English usage, it most commonly denotes a type of fish, a personal name, or, less commonly, a place name.

As a fish, common ling (Molva molva) and blue ling (Molva dypterygia) are elongated, cold‑water fishes found in the North Atlantic and adjacent seas. They are demersal, typically inhabiting rocky or sandy bottoms. Adults can reach substantial lengths and are pursued by commercial fisheries. Ling flesh is white and firm, making it a valued seafood in parts of Europe and North America. Ling is used in markets to refer to both species, though lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus) is a different species living on the Pacific coast.

As a name, Ling is a surname and given name in Chinese‑speaking communities and the wider East Asian diaspora. It can be derived from several Chinese characters, each with its own meaning, and is used across genders and generations. The spelling "Ling" also appears in other contexts as a transliteration of non‑Chinese names.

As a place name, Ling occurs in various toponyms. It is found in China as part of district or town names and appears in other regions through historical or administrative uses of the term.