mainsheet

noun

main·​sheet ˈmān-ˌshēt How to pronounce mainsheet (audio)
: a line by which the mainsail is trimmed and secured

Examples of mainsheet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Aboard Stars & Stripes yesterday were five crewmen — Conner, tactician Tom Whidden, mainsheet trimmer Jon Wright, bowman Scott Vogel and grinder Kyle Smith -- who were aboard Liberty on its historic loss in 1983. San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Feb. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mainsheet was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near mainsheet

Cite this Entry

“Mainsheet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mainsheet. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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