maritime

adjective

mar·​i·​time ˈmer-ə-ˌtīm 

ˈma-rə-

1

: of, relating to, or bordering on the sea

a maritime province

2

: of or relating to navigation or commerce on the sea

3

: having the characteristics of a mariner

Did you know?

The maritime countries of Portugal and England produced many seafaring explorers during the 16th and 17th centuries, many of whom sailed under the flags of other countries. Sailing for the Spanish, Ferdinand Magellan captained the ship that was the first to circle the world, charting many new maritime routes as it went. Henry Hudson, funded by the Dutch, sailed up what we call today the Hudson River, claiming the maritime area that now includes New York City for the Netherlands.

Synonyms

• marine
• nautical
• navigational

Examples of maritime in a Sentence

The country's maritime industry is an important part of its economy.

She's an expert in maritime law.

Recent Examples on the Web

This maritime parade puts an Arctic twist on national tradition and a vivid reminder of the city’s deep connection to the sea. —David Nikel, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025

The wreck captures a tragic moment in maritime history during the 19th century Australian gold rushes. —Kameryn Griesser, CNN Money, 16 May 2025

China's maritime forces seized effective control over the uninhabited atoll after a 2012 standoff with the Philippines. —Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025

This legislation is the most ambitious and comprehensive legislation in a generation to set America on the path to regain our position as a maritime power. —John Garamendi, Mercury News, 16 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin maritimus, from mare

First Known Use

circa 1550, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for maritime

• aforetime
• allozyme
• anytime
• christmastime
• cybercrime
• dinnertime
• guggenheim
• isozyme
• lysozyme
• mesenchyme
• overtime
• pantomime

Kids Definition

maritime

adjective

mar·​i·​time ˈmar-ə-ˌtīm 

1

: of, relating to, or bordering on the sea

maritime nations

2

: of or relating to navigation or commerce on the sea

maritime law

Legal Definition

maritime

adjective

mar·​i·​time ˈmar-ə-ˌtīm 

: of or relating to navigation or commerce on navigable waters