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 of maritime

• nautical
• naval
• navigational
• marine

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

However, domestic flights remain limited, expensive and unpredictable, while ferry services are irregular and the maritime sector struggles with aging fleets and weak incentives to improve. — Emese MacZko, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

The tanker has been grounded off the Dhofar coast since June, according to two shipping and maritime news outlets, who reported that the crew reported an explosion on board at the time. — ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026

Rather than chasing polished luxury or fleeting travel trends, the inn leans into the village of Woods Hole’s creative, scientific, and maritime character. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 July 2026

And Ukrainian drones are attacking Russian oil tankers and cargo vessels in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov in an attempt to stop the country’s maritime oil and grain exports. — Alexander Gabuev, Foreign Affairs, 31 July 2026

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