reef knot

noun

: a square knot used in reefing a sail

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The logo for the G20 summit hosted in Hamburg was a reef knot—a fastening the purpose of which is to pull together a loose bundle, and which gets tighter the more its loose ends are pulled. The Economist, 9 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'reef knot.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of reef knot was in 1794

Dictionary Entries Near reef knot

Cite this Entry

“Reef knot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reef%20knot. Accessed 20 Mar. 2023.

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