nautical

adjective

nau·​ti·​cal ˈnȯ-ti-kəl 

ˈnä-

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

a dictionary of nautical terms

nautical flags

nautical skills

nautically

ˈnȯ-ti-k(ə-)lē 

ˈnä-

adverb

Synonyms of nautical

• 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

In a nod to the nearby Panama Canal, the hotel’s nautical touches (like a yellow engine telegraph and black-and-white construction photos) flow well with the original French colonial design, giving the place a real sense of historical elegance. — Demarco Williams, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Visitors can expect to see more than 100 classic wooden boats, as well as various nautical activities, including boatbuilding, knot tying, and a youth sailing regatta. — Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 2026

His sunroom is decorated in a coastal farmhouse style and the deck is full off nautical and beach-themed items. — Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 17 Aug. 2026

Keep scrolling for tops and layers inspired by Stewart’s effortlessly chic, nautical outfit. — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 14 Aug. 2026

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