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

However, the shoal lies well within the Philippines' 200-nautical-mile EEZ from Luzon. —Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025

Flags are flown at half-mast on nautical vessels, such as a naval ship. —Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 11 Sep. 2025

The Great Lakes represents the world's largest freshwater system and are a major shipping hub, with maritime travel dating back several centuries and perilous nautical conditions marked by navigational challenges and seasonal weather. —Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 10 Sep. 2025

The club itself has a nautical feel, with a palette of blue and white hues contrasting rich dark wood. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 5 Sep. 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