binnacle

noun

bin·​na·​cle ˈbi-ni-kəl 

1

: a housing for a ship's compass and a lamp

2

: a container for instruments in an automobile dashboard

All but the shortest drivers find unrestricted sightlines to a hooded instrument binnacle loaded with nicely legible gauges.

—Daniel Charles Ross

Examples of binnacle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These include the steering wheel, the binnacle and its instrument cluster, the control panel, the key and key dock, the central console, and the seats. —Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 9 Feb. 2026

In place of the separate infotainment screen, the instrument binnacle has been integrated into the display in a sleek statement piece. —Trinity Francis, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025

Driver’s instrument binnacle, which offers a wide range of display options. —Mark Ewing, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025

The binnacle itself has been shaped aerodynamically. —Jason Barlow, WIRED, 6 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

alteration of Middle English bitakle, from Old Portuguese or Old Spanish; Old Portuguese bitácola & Old Spanish bitácula, from Latin habitaculum dwelling place, from habitare to inhabit — more at habitation

First Known Use

1622, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for binnacle

• clinical
• cynical
• pinnacle
• nonclinical
• preclinical
• rabbinical
• subclinical

Kids Definition

binnacle

noun

bin·​na·​cle ˈbin-i-kəl 

: a box or stand containing a ship's compass and a lamp