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

Meanwhile, her Petits Objets store down the street hosted La Romaine Editions, a young French editor of home objects, many with a nautical theme. —Sofia Celeste, WWD, 12 Sep. 2024

Perfect for history buffs and nautical enthusiasts. —Sunset Magazine, 10 Sep. 2024

The museum has a yacht-like shape and is actually equipped with rigging like a nautical vessel. —Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 9 Sep. 2024

In the image, my childhood friend Federico Martínez represents a nautical flag with his strokes while demonstrating his great ability to free dive. —Photovogue, Vogue, 9 Sep. 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