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

• marine
• maritime
• navigational

Examples of nautical in a Sentence

a dictionary of nautical terms

collected sextants and other antique nautical equipment

Recent Examples on the Web

The investigation will involve looking at the crew and the operation of the crew, the vessel and its condition, and nautical elements like weather, wind and tide. —Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2025

The fisherman aesthetic, a modern and trendy take on nautical design, offers cool colors and hardy materials (like wood and stone) with an emphasis on creating cozy spots to lounge. —Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 May 2025

The collaboration, which features fish motifs, nautical cord necklaces and a white linen shirt adorned with Alighieri golden buttons, exemplifies how Wadle has been running the company. —Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 15 May 2025

The snazzy accommodations have a superyacht aesthetic — cream, beige and pops of navy set the nautical tone — and deliver gorgeous sea views best enjoyed from private balconies. —Natasha Amar, Forbes.com, 11 May 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