catamaran

noun

cat·​a·​ma·​ran ˌka-tə-mə-ˈran How to pronounce catamaran (audio)
ˈka-tə-mə-ˌran
Synonyms of catamarannext
: a vessel (such as a sailboat) with twin hulls and usually a deck or superstructure connecting the hulls

Illustration of catamaran

Illustration of catamaran

Examples of catamaran in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
And hitching a ride on a Trilogy catamaran is a thrill in itself. Juliana Shallcross, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Jan. 2026 This new 164-foot catamaran has blown the Galápagos Islands’ charter offerings wide open. Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 26 Jan. 2026 On Blue Moon, Big Blue’s new 53-foot catamaran, the hold was stuffed with bottles of Moët. Henry Wismayer, Travel + Leisure, 7 Jan. 2026 Heimann and her family were scheduled to sail on a catamaran in the British Virgin Islands. Bri Buckley, CBS News, 4 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for catamaran

Word History

Etymology

Tamil kaṭṭumaram, from kaṭṭu to tie + maram tree, wood

First Known Use

1673, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of catamaran was in 1673

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Catamaran.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catamaran. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

catamaran

noun
cat·​a·​ma·​ran ˌkat-ə-mə-ˈran How to pronounce catamaran (audio)
ˈkat-ə-mə-ˌran
: a boat with twin hulls
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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