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

Sarkis could only surmise that the allegations were related to his tattoos, which included a nautical star on each shoulder, and the names of his parents and his two children, who are ten and thirteen. —Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 2 May 2025

From their nautical roots to their current relationships, here's everything to know about Jordon Hudson's parents and siblings. —Jordana Comiter, People.com, 2 May 2025

The design blends nautical elements with Wynwood’s warehouse aesthetic and layers of tropical deco. —Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2025

That added an element of pressure to coming up with a nautical theme that would be timeless without any kitsch. —Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 28 Apr. 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