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

The exterior reflects this theme, with blue and white siding and nautical-style light fixtures. —Lennie Omalza, Louisville Courier Journal, 25 Sep. 2025

Byron’s way ahead of the game, touting Guinness’s ability to keep men, well, afloat using an elaborate nautical metaphor. —Keith Phipps, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025

Exail’s sea drone completed the unprecedented 1,100-nautical-mile (2,000 km) transit from La Ciotat – France, to Troia – Portugal. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2025

The central bar features mermaid-scale tiling, and rich yacht-style wood finishings throughout and other maritime details speak to the overall nautical theme. —Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 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