Maritime Vocabulary

noun a two-masted square-rigged ship with an additional lower fore-and-aft sail

• The captain ordered the crew to clean the brig before the inspection.
• I heard they found a stowaway hiding in the brig.
• I can't believe they locked him up in the brig for that!
• Being stuck in traffic felt like being in a brig with no escape.

noun something that acts as a strong support or protection

• The stone bulwark protected the city from enemy attacks.
• The big wall acted as a bulwark against invaders.
• The fence was their bulwark against nosy neighbors.
• Education is often seen as a bulwark against poverty.

noun goods or merchandise carried by a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle

• The cargo ship was loaded with containers full of goods bound for export.
• The cargo truck is coming to pick up the packages later today.
• I heard they're smuggling some illegal cargo in those crates.
• Her emotional baggage felt like a heavy cargo weighing her down.

noun a person or thing that has been rejected or discarded

adjective discarded or rejected

• The castoff clothing was donated to the local charity.
• I found a bunch of castoff furniture on the curb.
• She's always wearing castoff clothes from her older sister.
• He felt like a castoff after being cut from the team.

noun a document incorporating an institution and specifying its rights; includes the articles of incorporation and the certificate of incorporation

verb to hire or lease by charter

• The company established a charter outlining the rights and responsibilities of its employees.
• We're planning a fishing trip on a charter boat next weekend.
• Let's charter a bus to take us to the concert.
• The charter of freedom guarantees our basic rights as citizens.

noun a set of playing cards

verb to knock someone to the ground with a punch

• The crew members gathered on the upper deck for a safety briefing.
• Let's hang out on the deck and enjoy the sunset.
• I can't believe you landed that trick on the skateboard deck!
• She had a full deck of cards to play with when negotiating the deal.

noun a place where ships are built, repaired, or stored

• The ship was repaired at the dockyard before setting sail again.
• I heard they're hiring at the dockyard for the summer.
• Let's meet up by the dockyard later, okay?
• Her mind was a busy dockyard, filled with thoughts coming and going constantly.

noun the front part of something, especially a ship

adjective situated or placed in front

• The fore part of the ship is where the crew members work.
• I'll meet you at the fore of the building.
• Let's hang out at the fore of the park later.
• The fore of the argument was presented by the opposition.

verb to make dirty or impure, especially with harmful substances

• The player was fouled in the penalty box, resulting in a penalty kick.
• He fouled up his chance to score by missing the shot.
• I can't believe he fouled out of the game so early.
• Her actions fouled the relationship between them beyond repair.

noun A downward movement or descent

verb To move or travel from a higher to a lower place

adverb In a downward direction or manner

• The stock market experienced a sharp go down yesterday.
• Did you see how much the prices of those shoes went down?
• I heard that party was a total go down.
• Her reputation really started to go down after the scandal.

noun a lump or large amount of a substance, especially a sticky one

verb to spit

• The chef carefully scooped a gob of whipped cream onto the dessert.
• She took a big gob of ketchup for her fries.
• He's always got a gob full of gossip to share.
• The company's CEO has a gob of knowledge about the industry.

noun A place on the coast where ships may moor in shelter, especially one protected from rough water by piers, jetties, and other artificial structures.

verb To give a home or shelter to; to provide a place of safety or refuge for.

• The harbor was bustling with activity as ships came in to unload their cargo.
• Let's take a walk down by the harbor and watch the boats come in.
• I heard there's a cool party happening at the harbor tonight.
• She found solace in the harbor of his embrace during difficult times.

verb To assemble or repair something quickly and with whatever materials are available

adjective Referring to something that has been hastily or temporarily put together

• The engineer jury rigged a temporary solution to fix the broken machine.
• We jury rigged a quick fix to keep the door from falling off.
• We jury rigged a janky setup to get the old TV working again.
• She jury rigged a plan to get out of attending the boring meeting.

noun a projecting part or point

verb to extend out, over, or beyond something

• The rocky cliff jutted out over the crashing waves below.
• I saw a tree jut out from the side of the hill.
• The graffiti artist made the word 'jut' jut out from the wall in a cool way.
• Her determination and drive jutted out among the rest of the team members.

noun a place where a person or thing comes to rest or is situated after moving through the air or water

verb the act of bringing a vehicle or aircraft to the ground after a journey or flight

• The pilot executed a smooth landing despite the challenging weather conditions.
• The plane made a perfect landing on the runway.
• That landing was lit, bro!
• Her new job offer felt like a perfect landing after months of searching.

noun a distress signal used by ships and aircraft

interjection a word used to signal distress or an emergency

• The pilot issued a mayday signal when the engine failed mid-flight.
• When the boat started taking on water, we had to call a mayday for help.
• I heard that party was a total mayday - a disaster from start to finish.
• In the midst of chaos, she felt like she was sending out a mayday signal for help.

noun A person who serves in the navy, typically a member of the military branch responsible for naval warfare and defense.

• The navy man received a medal for his bravery during the rescue mission.
• My cousin is a navy man and he loves being out at sea.
• That navy man is one tough cookie, always ready for action.
• He navigated through life like a skilled navy man, always staying calm in the face of challenges.

noun a strong wind or storm from the north

adjective relating to the north or a northerly direction

• The northerly winds brought a chill to the region.
• I heard it's going to be cold this weekend because of the norther coming in.
• I can't believe how strong that norther was yesterday!
• The sudden change in his mood was like a norther sweeping through the room.

noun a person who is traveling in a vehicle or on a ship or aircraft, but is not operating it

• The airline ensured the safety and comfort of each passenger on board.
• I heard the passenger in front of me complaining about the lack of legroom.
• Yo, did you see that passenger snap a selfie with the pilot?
• As a writer, I see myself as a passenger on a journey through the world of words.

noun A person who travels by sea, especially a sailor or mariner.

• The seafarer navigated the treacherous waters with skill and precision.
• The seafarer knew those waters like the back of their hand.
• That seafarer is a real salty dog, always out on the open sea.
• As a seafarer of life, he sailed through challenges with resilience.

noun a type of aircraft that can take off and land on water

• The seaplane landed gracefully on the water, ready to transport passengers to their destination.
• I've always wanted to take a ride on a seaplane, it seems like a fun experience.
• That seaplane is so cool, I wish I could fly one myself.
• Her ideas were like a seaplane, taking off and soaring to new heights in the business world.

noun a wrecked or destroyed ship

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• The shipwreck was discovered by a team of marine archaeologists.
• Did you hear about the shipwreck off the coast?
• That shipwreck was a total disaster, man.
• After the business deal fell through, their partnership was like a shipwreck.

noun SOS is a noun that stands for 'save our souls' or 'save our ship'. It is a distress signal used in emergencies to request help.

interjection SOS can also be considered an interjection when used as a cry for help or a distress signal.

• The ship sent out an SOS signal when it encountered a severe storm.
• I texted my friend an SOS when I needed help with my homework.
• I'm SOS-ing right now, can you come over and hang out?
• She felt like she was sending out an SOS in a crowded room, hoping someone would notice her distress.

noun a loud, harsh, or discordant noise

verb to make a loud, harsh, or discordant noise

• The parrot let out a loud squawk as the zookeeper approached.
• I heard a squawk coming from the backyard, probably just the neighbor's pet bird.
• The kids were making a lot of squawks during recess, they were having a great time.
• The politician's speech was full of squawks and empty promises.

noun A person who supports or defends a cause

verb To stop or restrict a flow of blood or other liquid

• The doctor used a stanch to stop the bleeding during the surgery.
• Can you hand me a stanch to fix this leak?
• I always keep a stanch handy for emergencies.
• She needed to find a way to stanch the flow of negative thoughts.

noun an upright bar, post, or frame forming a support or barrier

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preposition not applicable

conjunction not applicable

interjection not applicable

article not applicable

• The stanchion on the ship helped support the heavy anchor.
• I accidentally bumped into the stanchion at the concert.
• Don't lean on that stanchion, it's not very sturdy.
• The stanchion of truth held up against the waves of lies.

noun a narrow passage of water connecting two seas or two large areas of water

adjective narrow; restricted; limited

• The ship had to navigate through the narrow strait to reach the open sea.
• We had to go through a really tight strait to get to the other side of the island.
• I'm in a bit of a strait right now, not sure how to handle this situation.
• She felt like she was in a strait between two difficult choices.

noun a large ship or aircraft designed to carry liquid cargo in bulk

• The tanker ship was carrying oil from the Middle East to Europe.
• Did you see that huge tanker on the highway?
• That tanker is lit!
• She's a real emotional tanker, always carrying around other people's problems.

noun A Latin phrase meaning solid ground or dry land.

• The ship finally reached terra firma after weeks at sea.
• I can't wait to get back on terra firma after this rocky boat ride.
• Let's get off this boat and onto terra firma before I get seasick.
• After days of uncertainty, she finally felt like she was back on terra firma with her decision.

noun a part of the sea that is affected by the ebb and flow of the tide

adjective relating to or located in a tidewater area

• The tidewater region is characterized by its low-lying coastal plains.
• We're planning a trip to the tidewater area for some beach time.
• Let's hit up the tidewater for some chill vibes.
• The company's success flowed like tidewater, steadily growing and expanding.

noun a result in a game or competition where both sides have the same score

verb to fasten or attach with a string or cord

• He wore a silk tie to the business meeting.
• I need to find a tie to match my suit for the wedding.
• That tie is so lit, where did you get it?
• The strong bond between them was like a tie that couldn't be broken.

verb to fasten or attach with a string or similar cord

adjective being in a state of being fastened or attached with a string or similar cord

• The two ends of the rope were securely tied together.
• I tied my shoelaces in a hurry before leaving the house.
• I tied one on last night at the party and now I have a headache.
• Her success is tied to her hard work and determination.

noun a physical action or movement of keeping oneself afloat in water by moving the legs and arms in a controlled manner

verb to stay afloat in water by moving the legs and arms in a controlled manner

• The swimmer had to tread water for several minutes before help arrived.
• I'm just trying to tread water until I finish this project.
• I feel like I'm constantly treading water with all these deadlines.
• In order to survive in the competitive job market, you have to learn how to tread water and stay afloat.

noun a craft or vehicle designed for travel or transportation on water

• The watercraft was equipped with the latest navigation technology.
• I love taking the watercraft out on the lake for a spin.
• Let's hop on the watercraft and hit the waves!
• Her words were like a well-crafted watercraft, smoothly navigating through the conversation.

noun a panel of glass or other transparent material that protects the occupants of a vehicle from wind and weather

• The crack on the windshield of my car needs to be repaired as soon as possible.
• I can't see properly through my windshield because of all the bugs splattered on it.
• I almost lost my hat when I stuck my head out of the car window and the windscreen wiper hit me in the face.
• Her vision was clear as a windshield, unaffected by the distractions around her.

noun a person who engages in the illegal practice of removing valuable parts from wrecked vehicles or vessels

• The wrecker was called to remove the overturned truck from the highway.
• I heard the wrecker is coming to tow away that old car in your driveway.
• The wrecker showed up just in time to haul away the junked car.
• His reckless behavior acted as a wrecker in their friendship, causing irreparable damage.

noun a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea

adjective a word that describes or modifies a noun

article a word that specifies a noun as definite or indefinite (e.g. the, a, an)

• Mariners of old were known to sail the seven seas in search of new trade routes.
• I dream of one day sailing the seven seas and exploring all the different cultures.
• Some pirates claim to have sailed the seven seas and found hidden treasures.
• As a global company, we have offices in every corner of the world, covering the seven seas of business.

noun a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea

verb a word that expresses an action or state of being

article a word that specifies a noun (e.g. the, a, an)

• The security guard will stand a post at the entrance of the building.
• I have to stand a post at the store for the next few hours.
• I was asked to stand a post at the party to make sure no one sneaks in.
• As a leader, you must be willing to stand a post and take responsibility for your team's actions.

adverb toward the stern of a ship or aircraft

preposition in the direction of the stern of a ship or aircraft

• The lifeboat is located abaft of the main deck.
• You can find the restroom abaft the dining area.
• Let's hang out abaft the school after classes.
• His true intentions were hidden abaft a facade of friendliness.

noun a sail set above the lowermost sail on a mast of a square-rigged ship

• The sailor climbed up to adjust the topsail in order to catch the wind more efficiently.
• I saw a cool old ship with a massive topsail while I was out on the water.
• Check out the topsail on that yacht, it's huge!
• Raising the topsail of innovation can help propel your business to new heights.

noun It is a noun because it is the name of a specific object or thing.

• The docking station allows for easy connection of external devices to the laptop.
• I always make sure to have a docking station at my desk for my laptop.
• I need to grab my laptop and docking station before heading to the meeting.
• The library is like a docking station for knowledge, where you can easily access information.

noun a male given name of Arabic origin, meaning 'shore' or 'coast'

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• Sahil is a dedicated employee who always meets deadlines with high-quality work.
• Hey, have you met Sahil? He's always cracking jokes and keeping the mood light in the office.
• Sahil is the coolest dude around, always up for a good time.
• In the vast ocean of life, Sahil is like a steady shore that you can always rely on.

noun a noun is a person, place, thing, or idea. In this case, 'bucket' is a noun referring to a container with a handle and typically cylindrical shape.

• The old ship was referred to as a rust bucket due to its deteriorating metal structure.
• I wouldn't trust that rust bucket to get us to the other side of the lake.
• Hey, check out that rust bucket on wheels cruising down the street!
• After years of neglect, the once thriving factory had become a rust bucket of economic despair.

noun aft

adverb fore

• The crew members were stationed fore and aft to ensure the ship's safety.
• Make sure you secure the ropes both fore and aft before we set sail.
• I can't find my sunglasses, they must have fallen overboard fore and aft.
• He had to consider both the fore and aft consequences of his decision before moving forward.

noun a native or inhabitant of the Baltic region

adjective relating to the Baltic Sea or the region surrounding it

• The Baltic Sea is located in Northern Europe.
• I heard it's pretty cold in the Baltic countries.
• Let's go for a swim in the Baltic, it'll be refreshing!
• The tension between the two countries was like a Baltic winter, icy and unyielding.

noun a noun referring to the Adriatic Sea or the region surrounding it

adjective relating to the Adriatic Sea, which is the body of water that separates the Italian Peninsula from the Balkan Peninsula

• The Adriatic Sea is located between the Balkan Peninsula and the Italian Peninsula.
• I'm thinking of taking a cruise along the Adriatic coast this summer.
• Let's hit up the Adriatic for some beach fun!
• Her eyes sparkled like the Adriatic under the Mediterranean sun.

noun In Norse mythology, Aegir is a sea giant and the god of the sea.

• Aegir is a figure in Norse mythology associated with the sea.
• Have you heard of Aegir from Norse mythology?
• Aegir is like the boss of the ocean in Norse stories.
• The stormy waves roared like Aegir's wrath.

noun a group of experienced sailors who manage and steer a ship, especially in a race

• The afterguard is responsible for strategic decisions during a sailing race.
• The afterguard is like the captain of the ship, calling the shots from the back.
• If you want to win the race, you better listen to the afterguard.
• In life's journey, the afterguard represents the guiding force that steers us in the right direction.