bowsprit
noun
bow·sprit
ˈbau̇-ˌsprit 
British usually ˈbō-
: a large spar projecting forward from the stem of a ship
Examples of bowsprit in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The vessel is sure to stand out, thanks to the large silver jaguar sculpture fitted under its bowsprit.
—
Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 18 Sep. 2024
Among the improvements Lawson made was removing the bowsprit, a pole used to hoist big sails.
—Hayes Gardner, Baltimore Sun, 28 July 2023
In this image taken from video provided by the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the bowsprit of the Ironton is seen in Lake Huron off Michigan's east coast in a June 2021 photo.
—CBS News, 1 Mar. 2023
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 18 Sep. 2024
Among the improvements Lawson made was removing the bowsprit, a pole used to hoist big sails.
—Hayes Gardner, Baltimore Sun, 28 July 2023
In this image taken from video provided by the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the bowsprit of the Ironton is seen in Lake Huron off Michigan's east coast in a June 2021 photo.
—CBS News, 1 Mar. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Bowsprit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bowsprit. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
bowsprit
noun
bow·sprit
ˈbau̇-ˌsprit
: a large pole for sails sticking out from the bow of a ship
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share