nautical

adjective

nau·​ti·​cal ˈnȯ-ti-kəl 

ˈnä-

: of, relating to, or associated with sailors, navigation, or ships

a dictionary of nautical terms

nautical flags

nautical skills

nautically

ˈnȯ-ti-k(ə-)lē 

ˈnä-

adverb

Synonyms of nautical

• navigational
• naval
• marine
• maritime

Examples of nautical in a Sentence

a dictionary of nautical terms

collected sextants and other antique nautical equipment

Recent Examples on the Web

In his essay, Halifax used a nautical metaphor. —David Brooks, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026

Alongside other elite operators like Ponant and Aqua Expeditions, not to mention private yachts hosting fewer than 15 guests — the bar for truly top-shelf nautical escapes is rising fast. —Elycia Rubin, HollywoodReporter, 24 Mar. 2026

Passengers can stay on board for Hurtigruten’s 12-day cruise or hop on/hop off at any of 34 ports along the 2,500-nautical-mile route. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026

It is meant to combine a somewhat nautical look with a contemporary residential feel. —Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 20 Mar. 2026

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

Rhymes for nautical

• aeronautical
• astronautical

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