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

Utilitarian garb and fair isle flair take on a touch of camp with nautical kitsch, from crustacean creations for your home to jewelry and bag charms that can only be described as fin-flippin’ fantastic. —Adam Mansuroglu, WWD, 5 Dec. 2024

Then, in the evening on Dec. 7, a different kind of parade will take off — a nautical one. —Madeline Weinfield, Travel + Leisure, 5 Dec. 2024

Inside, the yacht-like blonde wood and cream leather upholstery were set apart by nautical switchgear and gloss black trim, all adding up to a most eye-pleasing experience. —Scotty Reiss, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024

As host of the first-ever World Capital of Island Cuisine festival in 2025, Djerba will welcome chefs representing island cuisines from around the globe in a competition for gastronomical glory, with live music and nautical activities as the anticipated supporting acts. —Sarah Khan, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Nov. 2024

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