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Glite Dictionary
ground tackle

ground tackle

9.1
The anchor, cables, and other equipment that keep a boat in place
  • noun
  • /ɡraʊnd ˈtækəl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : anclaje
  • The sailor explained how to deploy the ground tackle safely to ensure the vessel remains in place during the night.

Examples

  • The captain ensured that the ground tackle was properly secured before leaving the dock for the day.

  • They replaced the old ground tackle to improve safety.

  • Good ground tackle is essential to keep your boat secure during a storm.

  • The ship's ground tackle was inspected before setting sail.

  • The boat's ground tackle was secured properly.

  • Did you check the ground tackle before we left?

  • Before anchoring the boat, it is important to check the condition of the ground tackle to prevent drifting.

Surface Forms

ground tackle singular
ground tackles plural

Morphology

ground + tackle

The phrase is partly compositional: 'tackle' means gear or equipment and 'ground' suggests the surface to which something is secured, so a learner could plausibly infer it refers to gear used to hold a boat in place (e.g., anchor and ropes). However, it is a specialized nautical term and the precise inventory (anchor, cables, related equipment) is domain-specific and not fully predictable from the words alone, so prior exposure helps.

Etymology

The noun ground tackle comes from life on ships: ground means the sea floor where an anchor digs in, and tackle means the ropes and tools used to lower and hold the anchor. So ground tackle means 'the anchor and equipment that keep a boat in place'.