maritime

adjective

mar·​i·​time ˈmer-ə-ˌtīm 

ˈma-rə-

1

: of, relating to, or bordering on the sea

a maritime province

2

: of or relating to navigation or commerce on the sea

3

: having the characteristics of a mariner

Did you know?

The maritime countries of Portugal and England produced many seafaring explorers during the 16th and 17th centuries, many of whom sailed under the flags of other countries. Sailing for the Spanish, Ferdinand Magellan captained the ship that was the first to circle the world, charting many new maritime routes as it went. Henry Hudson, funded by the Dutch, sailed up what we call today the Hudson River, claiming the maritime area that now includes New York City for the Netherlands.

Synonyms

• marine
• nautical
• navigational

Examples of maritime in a Sentence

The country's maritime industry is an important part of its economy.

She's an expert in maritime law.

Recent Examples on the Web

Japan, another key Asian ally of the U.S., has sent its self-defense forces to take part in the U.S.-led, multilateral maritime operations in the South China Sea. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024

The coastal town in North Java was rich in Islamic and maritime cultures until its capture by the Dutch colonial administration, which used it as a base from which to produce and export tobacco and teak. —Hung Duong, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2024

The intrigue: The Environmental Health Coalition, a local environmental justice organization, and the port secured about $900,000 for a workforce development program and community outreach about the impact of electrifying maritime operations. —Kate Murphy, Axios, 30 Oct. 2024

Fixing maritime boundaries means atoll nations can continue to reap the economic benefit of vast fishing grounds, even if populations must migrate as dry land area is significantly reduced. —Reuters, CNN, 26 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin maritimus, from mare

First Known Use

circa 1550, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

maritime

adjective

mar·​i·​time ˈmar-ə-ˌtīm 

1

: of, relating to, or bordering on the sea

maritime nations

2

: of or relating to navigation or commerce on the sea

maritime law

Legal Definition

maritime

adjective

mar·​i·​time ˈmar-ə-ˌtīm 

: of or relating to navigation or commerce on navigable waters