binnacle

noun

bin·​na·​cle ˈbi-ni-kəl 

1

: a housing for a ship's compass and a lamp

2

: a container for instruments in an automobile dashboard

All but the shortest drivers find unrestricted sightlines to a hooded instrument binnacle loaded with nicely legible gauges.

—Daniel Charles Ross

Examples of binnacle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The most obvious changes are how the analogue rev counter has been replaced by an all-digital instrument binnacle, and the new open-pore walnut laminated gear knob. —Alistair Charlton, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024

The binnacle itself has been shaped aerodynamically. —Jason Barlow, WIRED, 6 Oct. 2024

Chassis and power-train modes are selected by rocker switches within fingertip reach on the instrument binnacle, leaving the steering wheel pleasingly bereft of buttons. —Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 2 July 2024

The instrument binnacle has been brought over from the (cheaper, hybrid) McLaren Artura, relocating the handling and powertrain controls in the process. —Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 16 Nov. 2023

Word History

Etymology

alteration of Middle English bitakle, from Old Portuguese or Old Spanish; Old Portuguese bitácola & Old Spanish bitácula, from Latin habitaculum dwelling place, from habitare to inhabit — more at habitation

First Known Use

1622, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

binnacle

noun

bin·​na·​cle ˈbin-i-kəl 

: a box or stand containing a ship's compass and a lamp