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

The themes are: Flora, fauna, nautical, equestrian, and GG Monogram. —Luisa Zargani, WWD, 21 Mar. 2025

Nardin signature timepiece, The Freak, its uniquely innovative approach to watchmaking, and its nautical heritage. —Anthony Demarco, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025

This nautical look from Tuckernuck is the perfect coverup for confidently going to and from the beach. —Nora Colomer, Fox News, 19 Mar. 2025

While in anticipation of all things spring, the runway is also preparing us for summer with the resurgence of all things nautical. —Jailynn Taylor, Essence, 19 Mar. 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

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