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

Styles are also embellished with an anchor motif to further the nautical vibes. —Layla Ilchi, WWD, 11 July 2024

Also listed under this aesthetic is the Pinterest search for jute rope mirrors, which add a touch of nautical style. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 July 2024

The property, which has 159 rooms and suites, has a decidedly nautical flavor — dark wood, brass accents, blue-and-white tile — that befits its setting along the Pacific Ocean, a short drive from the Panama Canal. —Paul Brady, Travel + Leisure, 9 July 2024

Couture show attendees brought out trompe l’oeil denim, jeans with unexpected cutouts and nods to nautical fashion. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 8 July 2024

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

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