mainsheet

noun

main·​sheet ˈmān-ˌshēt How to pronounce mainsheet (audio)
: a line by which the mainsail is trimmed and secured

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Aboard Stars & Stripes yesterday were five crewmen — Conner, tactician Tom Whidden, mainsheet trimmer Jon Wright, bowman Scott Vogel and grinder Kyle Smith -- who were aboard Liberty on its historic loss in 1983. —San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Feb. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mainsheet.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mainsheet was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near mainsheet

main shaft

mainsheet

mainspring

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Mainsheet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mainsheet. Accessed 1 Jun. 2023.

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