nautical

adjective

nau·ti·cal ˈnȯ-ti-kəl

ˈnä-

Synonyms of nautical

: of, relating to, or associated with sailors, navigation, or ships

a dictionary of nautical terms

nautical flags

nautical skills

nautically

ˈnȯ-ti-k(ə-)lē

ˈnä-

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.

In addition, a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place near the fire zone at a 5-nautical-mile radius, below 3,500 feet. — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026 Covered in nautical tattoos and given to spiritual proclamations about the ocean’s generosity, Mitt is recognizable as a type. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 14 Oct. 2026 The beach itself is worth venturing to even for a day visit, but staying on this peaceful, postcard-perfect cove had me—pardon the nautical pun— falling hook, line, and sinker for Milos. — Callie Thorpe, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026 The challenge required teams to transport as much weight as possible over the four-nautical-mile course. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 30 Sep. 2026 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

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Nautical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nautical. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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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

nautical

adjective

Synonyms of nautical

Examples of nautical in a Sentence

Word History

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Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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nautical

adjective

Synonyms of nautical

Examples of nautical in a Sentence

Word History

Phrases Containing nautical

Rhymes for nautical

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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