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

Other pieces in the limited-edition collection, which will be available to buy in mid-July, nod to a nautical theme, inspired by the sailor suits Queen Victoria dressed her children in back in the 19th century. —Monique Jessen, People.com, 7 July 2025

Hallmarks include nautical stripes, woven raffia, and lightweight knits that work any time of year. —Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025

Rope sandals and a matching bracelet add nautical charm. —Christina Holevas, Vogue, 30 May 2025

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