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Glite Dictionary
bowsprit

bowsprit

1 9.9
A long pole that sticks out from the front of a ship to hold sails and ropes
  • noun
  • /ˈboʊsprɪt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : mástil de proa
  • A shudder ran through Kittiwake, from bowsprit to stem, as if she were in the grip of a strong current.
  • bowsprit and mast
  • steel bowsprit
  • bowsprit of the ship

Examples

  • The crew worked diligently to secure the sails to the bowsprit before setting sail.

  • I was working on the schooner and decided to add a little length to the bowsprit.

    Fiction book (1995)

  • He was practically standing on the bowsprit, clutching a forestay.

    Fiction book (1994)

  • All sails were reefed and tied, but the rising tide shifted the vessel slightly, swinging the bowsprit toward us.

    Fiction book (1992)

  • Alobar spent much of the voyage seated alone behind the bowsprit, enjoying the energy of the waves, refreshed by the salty sprays that needled him.

    Fiction book (1990)

  • The ship's bowsprit extended elegantly forward, allowing the sails to catch the wind effectively.

  • During the inspection, the captain noted that the bowsprit was in good condition and ready for the journey ahead.

Synonyms

spar
vsbowsprit
  • Specialized
3 8.6

A strong pole on a ship that supports sails

is a specific pole projecting forward from the bow to secure sails

Surface Forms

bowsprit singular
bowsprits plural

Morphology

bowsprit = bow + sprit (semi-transparent) = bow + sprit

The components 'bow' and 'sprit' directly describe a spar at the bow, but 'sprit' is a specialised nautical term that many learners may not know.

Etymology

Bowsprit comes from bow ('front of a ship') and sprit ('small pole' or 'rod'). It was the long pole that sticks out from the ship's front to hold sails and ropes, which is exactly what a bowsprit is today.