nautical

adjective

nau·​ti·​cal ˈnȯ-ti-kəl How to pronounce nautical (audio)
ˈnä-
: of, relating to, or associated with seamen, navigation, or ships
a dictionary of nautical terms
nautical flags
nautical skills
nautically adverb

Examples of nautical in a Sentence

a dictionary of nautical terms collected sextants and other antique nautical equipment
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.
Its 12 cottages have nautical touches in one-of-a-kind interiors. 7. Tim Chester, AFAR Media, 29 July 2025 The annual celebration is Aug. 7, 2025, a perfect time to visit Michigan's nautical guides, including several historic towers. Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 17 July 2025 Named Twisted Romance, the collection blends nautical nostalgia with a romantic edge and features fluid contrasting fabrics, vintage elements, elevated accessories and plenty of rebellion. Angela Lei, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025 However, the New Mariner Jersey Shorts are a nautical score at just $21, especially when paired with the equally summery Montauk Crochet Tank Top, now $57. Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for nautical

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of nautical was in 1552

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nautical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nautical. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

nautical

adjective
nau·​ti·​cal ˈnȯt-i-kəl How to pronounce nautical (audio)
ˈnät-
: of or relating to sailors, navigation, or ships
nautically 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

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