nautical

adjective

nau·​ti·​cal ˈnȯ-ti-kəl 

ˈnä-

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

a dictionary of nautical terms

nautical flags

nautical skills

nautically

ˈnȯ-ti-k(ə-)lē 

ˈnä-

adverb

Synonyms

• 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

While the brand is less sailing-specific today, its nautical heritage lives on in accessories like this cotton sailing hat, whose slightly wider brim will go a long way towards shielding wearers from the sun. —Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 11 Aug. 2025

Located 2 miles west of St. Ignace in the Upper Peninsula, the eclectic shop sells a variety of merchandise, including souvenirs, gifts, Native American goods, apparel, a penny press, nautical and novelty items. —Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 9 Aug. 2025

While this name is often more popular with girls (actor Eric Christian Olsen recently gave it to his newborn daughter), this nautical moniker is a great underrated option for boys as well. —Marilyn La Jeunesse, Parents, 8 Aug. 2025

Callahan's of Calabash is the place for nautical gifts, tees, homemade fudge, and Christmas ornaments. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 6 Aug. 2025

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