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

The sleeveless asymmetrical dress was crafted from netting, adding to the nautical effect. —Lara Walsh, InStyle, 12 Apr. 2026

But each vessel, shares a similar platform and is meant to roam the high seas, with a 4,000-nautical-mile range that could carry its owner just about anywhere. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2026

The interiors feature warm wood tones, contemporary furnishings, and subtle nautical touches. —Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 8 Apr. 2026

In his essay, Halifax used a nautical metaphor. —David Brooks, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 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