spritsail

noun

sprit·​sail ˈsprit-ˌsāl How to pronounce spritsail (audio) -səl How to pronounce spritsail (audio)
1
: a sail extended by a sprit
2
: a sail formerly set on a yard beneath the bowsprit

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of spritsail was in the 15th century

Rhymes for spritsail

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Browse Nearby Words

spritely
spritsail
spritsail yard
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Cite this Entry

“Spritsail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spritsail. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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