nautical

adjective

nau·​ti·​cal ˈnȯ-ti-kəl 

ˈnä-

: of, relating to, or associated with seamen, navigation, or ships

a dictionary of nautical terms

nautical flags

nautical skills

nautically

ˈnȯ-ti-k(ə-)lē 

ˈnä-

adverb

Synonyms

• navigational
• naval
• marine
• maritime

Examples of nautical in a Sentence

a dictionary of nautical terms

collected sextants and other antique nautical equipment

Recent Examples on the Web

Long associated with prep-school and nautical styles, stripes are a classic. —Christina Holevas, Vogue, 25 June 2025

With its majestic suites, refined dining, spa facilities, live jazz, nautical adventures, tea lounge, luxury retail wing, and impeccable white-glove service, the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok continues to set the gold standard in luxury hospitality. —Ashlee Marie Preston, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025

Now, the nautical style is gaining momentum off the runway, with indie brands such as Everlane and STAUD releasing beachy ready-to-wear and accessories. —Kelsey Stewart, Refinery29, 19 June 2025

Landlubbers may sniff, but before anyone reaches for their air violin, understand that the above real-life instances are mere nautical nits compared to a more serious consequence of frequently living the high life on the high seas. —David Dickstein, Oc Register, 18 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin nauticus, from Greek nautikos, from nautēs sailor, from naus ship — more at nave

First Known Use

1552, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing nautical

• nautical mile

Rhymes for nautical

• aeronautical
• astronautical

Kids Definition

nautical

adjective

nau·​ti·​cal ˈnȯt-i-kəl 

ˈnät-

: of or relating to sailors, navigation, or ships

nautically

-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Etymology

from Latin nauticus "nautical," from Greek nautikos (same meaning), from nautēs "sailor," from naus "ship" — related to astronaut, nausea see Word History at nausea