fore-and-aft

1 of 2

adjective

ˌfȯr-ə-ˈnaft 

1

: lying, running, or acting in the general line of the length of a construction (such as a ship or a house) : longitudinal

2

: having no square sails

fore and aft

2 of 2

adverb

1

: lengthwise of a ship : from stem to stern

2

: in, at, or toward both the bow and stern

3

: in or at the front and back or the beginning and end

Examples of fore-and-aft in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Spirit’s team created a warm mahogany-and-veneer interior defined by curves, with details such as fore-and-aft berths, a shower, a galley, and an electric head. — Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 30 Aug. 2026

The second row seats slide fore-and-aft, allowing for easy adjustment based on third-row legroom needs. — Karl Brauer, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024

Adverb

The secret lies in servo motors at the end of each propeller arm, which instantaneously tilt the props fore and aft as needed. — New Atlas, 10 Aug. 2026

But unlike other automakers, Rivian also allows the halo dials to toggle fore and aft in a similar fashion to paddle shifters—and even tilt inward and outward laterally to make gauge screen widget selections. — ArsTechnica, 9 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1820, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

circa 1618, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for fore-and-aft

• antiaircraft
• choreographed
• chromatographed
• mimeographed
• abaft
• aircraft
• camshaft
• crankshaft
• downdraft
• engraft
• priestcraft
• redraft

Kids Definition

fore-and-aft

adjective

ˌfōr-ə-ˈnaft, 

ˌfȯr-

1

: lying, running, or acting along the length of a structure (as of a ship)

fore-and-aft sails

2

: having no square sails