nautical

adjective

nau·​ti·​cal ˈnȯ-ti-kəl How to pronounce nautical (audio)
ˈnä-
: of, relating to, or associated with seamen, navigation, or ships
a dictionary of nautical terms
nautical flags
nautical skills
nautically adverb

Examples of nautical in a Sentence

a dictionary of nautical terms collected sextants and other antique nautical equipment
Recent Examples on the Web Acapulco’s nautical labor force plays a critical role in a destination known globally as a glamorous vacation spot for deep-sea fishing, cliff diving and boating. Emiliano Rodríguez Mega, New York Times, 18 Nov. 2023 Couples converge, turn away, and re-embrace aboard a jungle Love Boat (captained by a genial man in a white uniform and nautical cap). Vulture, 17 Nov. 2023 In the heart of the Old Naples waterfront district is the historic Tin City, an eclectic tin-roofed shopping and entertainment area with nautical and nature-themed gift shops featuring rustic marine souvenirs and casual seafood eateries like Pinchers. Kara Franker, Southern Living, 14 Nov. 2023 Mix your choice of color with white, wood, and other neutrals for an understated nautical feel. Abby Wilson, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Oct. 2023 Yet even amidst that success, the nautical map’s true value slipped past the auction house’s experts. Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Nov. 2023 Décor is a nod to the seaside location: surf photos abound and structural columns are wrapped in nautical rope. Kathy A. McDonald, Variety, 31 Oct. 2023 In a more extreme scenario, Iran could respond to any direct provocation by blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a nautical choke-point just north of the Arabian Sea. Grant Smith, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2023 The award was determined by a panel of independent judges, including nautical designer Dan Lenard of Nuvolari Lenard Designs, Captain Kerry of Below Deck Adventure, Nascar legend Michael Waltrip, and former motocross great Ricky Carmichael. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 30 Oct. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nautical.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of nautical was in 1552

Dictionary Entries Near nautical

Cite this Entry

“Nautical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nautical. Accessed 4 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

nautical

adjective
nau·​ti·​cal ˈnȯt-i-kəl How to pronounce nautical (audio)
ˈnät-
: of or relating to sailors, navigation, or ships
nautically 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

More from Merriam-Webster on nautical

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