nautical

adjective nau·ti·cal \ ˈnȯ-ti-kəl , ˈnä- \

Updated on: 20 Apr 2018

Definition of nautical

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

a dictionary of nautical terms

nautical flags

nautical skills

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nautically

play \ˈnȯ-ti-k(ə-)lē, ˈnä-\ adverb

See nautical defined for English-language learners

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Examples of nautical in a Sentence

a dictionary of nautical terms
collected sextants and other antique nautical equipment

Recent Examples of nautical from the Web

Paul Bouton and his nautical exhibition, a regatta and canoe races.

— dawn mitchell, Indianapolis Star, "Broad Ripple Park: 'Nature’s Gift to the Amusement World'," 13 Apr. 2018
The interior has been renovated into mid-century modern with bright nautical details.

— taylor m. riley, The Courier-Journal, "Don’t let this Louisville farmhouse fool you. Inside it’s a nautical getaway," 12 Apr. 2018
Locating the tiny island promised to dramatically extend Mexico’s nautical sovereignty to include precious oil rights in the Gulf.

— a. roger ekirch, WSJ, "‘The Phantom Atlas’ Review: Maps With Gaps," 5 Apr. 2018
Families can get a taste of nautical history with a public tour of the Tall Ship Oliver Hazard Perry in Riviera Beach, or check out the new Science Park in downtown Fort Lauderdale.

— jennifer jhon, South Florida Parenting, "Egg hunts bring sweet fun to South Florida families this weekend," 22 Mar. 2018
Several Footprints at the River’s Edge commenters riffed on nautical folklore, suggesting that perhaps, like the sirens who tempted Odysseus, covens of attractive females were luring victims to the rivers.

— aaron gilbreath, Longreads, "Drowning In a River of Murky Thought," 22 Mar. 2018
The latest design is named 'Born Leader' and pays tribute to the Portugal captain's leadership skills and the country's nautical history.

— SI.com, "PHOTOS: Nike Launch 'CR7 Chapter 6: Born Leader' Boots Inspired by Ronaldo's Portugal Captaincy," 20 Mar. 2018
There’s a private dining room with a nautical theme and soon, a basement bar.

— florence fabricant, New York Times, "French Techniques and Korean Ingredients Meet Up in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn," 13 Mar. 2018
Reach for matching sets with a nautical slant, micro prints and metallic footwear over monochrome.

— amber elliott, Houston Chronicle, "Kids' trend-forward Easter styles rival Mom and Dad's," 28 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'nautical.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of nautical

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1552

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nautical Synonyms

Synonyms

marine, maritime, navigational;

Related Words

naval;

oceangoing, seafaring, seagoing;

hydrographic, oceanographic (also oceanographical);

Other Nautical Terms

avast, aweigh, flotsam, jib, keel, lee, port, starboard, stay

NAUTICAL Defined for English Language Learners

nautical

adjective

Definition of nautical for English Language Learners

: relating to ships and sailing

NAUTICAL Defined for Kids

nautical

adjective nau·ti·cal \ ˈnȯ-ti-kəl \

Definition of nautical for Students

: of or relating to sailors, navigation, or ships

Learn More about nautical

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nautical

Definition of nautical

nautically

Examples of nautical in a Sentence

Recent Examples of nautical from the Web

Origin and Etymology of nautical

nautical Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

Other Nautical Terms

NAUTICAL Defined for English Language Learners

nautical

Definition of nautical for English Language Learners

NAUTICAL Defined for Kids

nautical

Definition of nautical for Students

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