-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
bowsprit
noun
bow·sprit
ˈbau̇-ˌsprit
British usually ˈbō-
: a large spar projecting forward from the stem of a ship
Examples of bowsprit in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The vessel is sure to stand out, thanks to the large silver jaguar sculpture fitted under its bowsprit.
—Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 18 Sep. 2024
Khan’s previous Kismet was a stunner, a 312-footer with a basketball court, video walls, a removable silver jaguar on the bowsprit and one of the most electric interiors on the water.
—Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 8 July 2024
This time, he’s decided to make the big cat a permanent fixture by incorporating a silver sculpture on the underside of the bowsprit.
—Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 5 Apr. 2024
Among the improvements Lawson made was removing the bowsprit, a pole used to hoist big sails.
—Hayes Gardner, Baltimore Sun, 28 July 2023
On game day when Khan’s NFL team, the Jacksonville Jaguars, are playing, a 13-foot silver statue of a jaguar with its paw resting on a football helmet is mounted on the bowsprit.
—Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 9 June 2023
While her towering wooden masts, 39-foot bowsprit, and extensive sail plan are exact replicas, McLaren curated the interior spaces himself, from the original Frank Beken photographs that adorn the solid mahogany, Georgian raised paneled walls to the ruby red leather upholstery and vintage fittings.
—Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 26 May 2023
From her needle-like, gold-leafed bowsprit, to her rounded, oh-so-elegant fantail stern, Nadan oozes Art Deco-era style and elegance.
—Howard Walker, Robb Report, 14 Apr. 2023
In this image taken from video provided by the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the bowsprit of the Ironton is seen in Lake Huron off Michigan's east coast in a June 2021 photo.
—CBS News, 1 Mar. 2023
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Word History
Etymology
Middle English bouspret, probably from Middle Low German boochspreet, from booch bow + spreet pole
First Known Use
13th century, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of bowsprit was
in the 13th century
Dictionary Entries Near bowsprit
Cite this Entry
“Bowsprit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bowsprit. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
bowsprit
noun
bow·sprit
ˈbau̇-ˌsprit
: a large pole for sails sticking out from the bow of a ship
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share