catamaran

noun

cat·​a·​ma·​ran ˌka-tə-mə-ˈran 

ˈka-tə-mə-ˌran

: a vessel (such as a sailboat) with twin hulls and usually a deck or superstructure connecting the hulls

Illustration of catamaran

Examples of catamaran in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The company already works with Finnish boatbuilder Axopar on a series of high-performance day boats and has partnered with Sunreef Yachts on luxury catamarans. — Rachel Ingram, Robb Report, 26 July 2026

While Seb Schneiter’s Swiss boat was back on the water racing the following day, Pete Burling’s Black Foils catamaran took longer to sort out. — Andrew Rice, New York Times, 25 July 2026

The Westin Porto de Galinhas has creative ways to soak up the picturesque scenery, with optional buggy and catamaran rides. — Gina Kramer, USA Today, 25 July 2026

The most obvious is out at sea, via one of the island's many catamaran cruises. — Jonnie Bayfield, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1673, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for catamaran

• assemblyman
• carbofuran
• chipewyan
• illinoian
• newspaperman
• nurseryman
• afghan
• bedpan
• began
• caveman
• chapin
• cyan

Kids Definition

catamaran

noun

cat·​a·​ma·​ran ˌkat-ə-mə-ˈran 

ˈkat-ə-mə-ˌran

: a boat with twin hulls