maritime
adjective
mar·i·time
ˈmer-ə-ˌtīm 
ˈma-rə-
1
: of, relating to, or bordering on the sea
a maritime province
2
: of or relating to navigation or commerce on the sea
3
: having the characteristics of a mariner
Did you know?
The maritime countries of Portugal and England produced many seafaring explorers during the 16th and 17th centuries, many of whom sailed under the flags of other countries. Sailing for the Spanish, Ferdinand Magellan captained the ship that was the first to circle the world, charting many new maritime routes as it went. Henry Hudson, funded by the Dutch, sailed up what we call today the Hudson River, claiming the maritime area that now includes New York City for the Netherlands.
Examples of maritime in a Sentence
The country's maritime industry is an important part of its economy.
She's an expert in maritime law.
Recent Examples on the Web
Dooley had been calling himself a maritime archaeologist for more than a decade but had yet to conduct a by-the-book excavation of any kind.
—
Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
Houjicha turns contemplative and savory, layering roasted chestnut, pine, and maritime depth.
—Lanee Lee, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
In December 1987, the ferry Dona Paz sank after colliding with a fuel tanker off the central Philippines, killing more than 4,300 people in the world’s worst peacetime maritime disaster.
—Jim Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026
The Titanic represents far more than a maritime disaster.
—Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 26 Jan. 2026
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Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
Houjicha turns contemplative and savory, layering roasted chestnut, pine, and maritime depth.
—Lanee Lee, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
In December 1987, the ferry Dona Paz sank after colliding with a fuel tanker off the central Philippines, killing more than 4,300 people in the world’s worst peacetime maritime disaster.
—Jim Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026
The Titanic represents far more than a maritime disaster.
—Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for maritime
Cite this Entry
“Maritime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maritime. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
maritime
adjective
mar·i·time
ˈmar-ə-ˌtīm
1
: of, relating to, or bordering on the sea
maritime nations
2
: of or relating to navigation or commerce on the sea
maritime law
Legal Definition
maritime
adjective
mar·i·time
ˈmar-ə-ˌtīm
: of or relating to navigation or commerce on navigable waters
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