cathead

noun

cat·​head ˈkat-ˌhed How to pronounce cathead (audio)
: a projecting piece of timber or iron near the bow of a ship to which the anchor is hoisted and secured

Word History

First Known Use

1626, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cathead was in 1626

Dictionary Entries Near cathead

Cite this Entry

“Cathead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cathead. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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