Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×

yawl

noun \ ˈyȯl \

Definition of yawl

1 : a ship's small boat : jolly boat
2 : a fore-and-aft rigged sailboat carrying a mainsail and one or more jibs with a mizzenmast far aft

See yawl defined for kids

Illustration of yawl

illustration of yawl

Origin and Etymology of yawl

Low German jolle

YAWL Defined for Kids

yawl

noun \ ˈyȯl \

Definition of yawl for Students

: a sailboat having two masts with the shorter one behind the rudder

Learn More about yawl

  1. See words that rhyme with yawl Nglish: Translation of yawl for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about yawl

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up yawl? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

quail

play

to recoil in dread or terror

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. asylum 'protection from arrest and extradition given especially to political refugees'

  2. insubordinate 'disobedient to authority'

  3. promulgate 'to make known by open declaration'

  4. epochal 'momentous or unparalleled'

  5. clemency 'merciful treatment of someone who could be given harsh punishment'

SEE ALL

BROWSE DICTIONARY

yawl

Test Your Vocabulary

Name More Food!

  • red-fruit
  • Name that Fruit!
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games