nautical

adjective

nau·​ti·​cal ˈnȯ-ti-kəl 

ˈnä-

: of, relating to, or associated with sailors, navigation, or ships

a dictionary of nautical terms

nautical flags

nautical skills

nautically

ˈnȯ-ti-k(ə-)lē 

ˈnä-

adverb

Synonyms of nautical

• navigational
• naval
• marine
• maritime

Examples of nautical in a Sentence

a dictionary of nautical terms

collected sextants and other antique nautical equipment

Recent Examples on the Web

Rich nautical blues and dark wood Lexington furnishings make for an elegant and refined look. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 May 2026

Accurate seafloor mapping is critical for nautical charts, storm surge models, and fisheries planning. —Paula Wethington, CBS News, 7 May 2026

Look for bedding that signals the season with floral prints and nautical stripes, crafted from breathable fabrics that will keep you cool through the warmer nights ahead. —Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 May 2026

Madden’s post also included pictures of various paintings and sketches plus another nautical image dedicated to the newborn. —Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 4 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin nauticus, from Greek nautikos, from nautēs sailor, from naus ship — more at nave

First Known Use

1552, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing nautical

• nautical mile

Rhymes for nautical

• aeronautical
• astronautical

Kids Definition

nautical

adjective

nau·​ti·​cal ˈnȯt-i-kəl 

ˈnät-

: of or relating to sailors, navigation, or ships

nautically

-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Etymology

from Latin nauticus "nautical," from Greek nautikos (same meaning), from nautēs "sailor," from naus "ship" — related to astronaut, nausea see Word History at nausea