close-hauled

adjective

ˈklōs-ˈhȯld

: having the sails set for sailing as nearly against the wind as the vessel will go

Word History

First Known Use

1694, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of close-hauled was in 1694

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Browse Nearby Words

close harmony

close-hauled

close helm

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Close-hauled.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/close-hauled. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.

Copy Citation

Last Updated: 4 Nov 2025 - Definition revised

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