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

Weighted-vest vibes vary from tactical to nautical to athlete-chic. —Jolene Edgar, Allure, 11 Feb. 2025

Admiring the historic architecture and nautical scenery is enough of a reason to venture down to the water alone, but Ball also recommends heading down to where the Selina II is docked and boarding for a sail on the Miles River and greater Chesapeake Bay. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2025

Walmart’s Free Assembly Spring Collection is filled with other cozy, nautical pieces to transition your wardrobe from winter to spring. —Alicia Geigel, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Feb. 2025

Since then, nautical shoes have been a recurring theme among fashion insiders. —Mayte Salido, Glamour, 22 Jan. 2025

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