Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

laveer

intransitive verb
la·​veer | \ ləˈvi(ə)r\

Definition of laveer 

archaic
: to beat against the wind in sailing : tack

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for laveer

Dutch laveren, from Middle Dutch laveren, loveren, from Middle French louvier, from lof side of a ship toward the wind

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about laveer

Statistics for laveer

Look-up Popularity

More from Merriam-Webster on laveer

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with laveer

Comments on laveer

What made you want to look up laveer? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

nomothetic

involving abstract or general statements

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Liar, Liar Quiz

  • alt-5761dbe2ba986
  • Someone who pretends to be sick in order to avoid work is a:
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games