catamaran

noun

cat·​a·​ma·​ran ˌka-tə-mə-ˈran How to pronounce catamaran (audio)
ˈka-tə-mə-ˌran
Synonyms of catamarannext
: a vessel (such as a sailboat) with twin hulls and usually a deck or superstructure connecting the hulls

Illustration of catamaran

Illustration of catamaran

Examples of catamaran 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.
Sunshine Charters will take you for a spin on their 40-foot catamaran around Round Lake and Lake Charlevoix, through the drawbridge, and out to Lake Michigan. Stacy Conde, Midwest Living, 30 Dec. 2025 For those craving time on the water, a private catamaran sailing excursion allows the whole family to relax, swim, or snorkel at their own pace. Patricia Johnson, Travel + Leisure, 26 Dec. 2025 SailGP features identical hydrofoil catamaran boats that can go more than 60 miles per hour. Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 10 Dec. 2025 The artwork on the catamaran’s hull depicts a pod of humpback whales swimming alongside bottlenose dolphins, marine mammals regularly seen off Orange County’s coast. Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 5 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for catamaran

Word History

Etymology

Tamil kaṭṭumaram, from kaṭṭu to tie + maram tree, wood

First Known Use

1673, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of catamaran was in 1673

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Catamaran.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catamaran. Accessed 2 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

catamaran

noun
cat·​a·​ma·​ran ˌkat-ə-mə-ˈran How to pronounce catamaran (audio)
ˈkat-ə-mə-ˌran
: a boat with twin hulls
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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