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Glite Dictionary
reefing line

reefing line

9.3
A short rope sewn into a sail to tie part down and make the sail smaller in strong wind
  • noun
  • /ˈriːfɪŋ laɪn/
  • Specialized
translation icon : línea de reefing
  • The sailor tightened the reefing line to reduce the sail's area during high winds.

Examples

  • With a quick tug on the reefing line, she secured the mainsail against the strong breeze.

  • It's important to check every reefing line for wear before heading out to sea.

  • The sailor adjusted the reefing line to secure the sail.

  • Can you check the reefing lines before we set sail?

  • Before we leave the harbor, we must inspect the reefing line to ensure it is in good condition.

  • During the storm, he pulled the reefing line tightly to minimize the sail and prevent damage.

  • She expertly tied the reefing line to keep the sail secure against the gusty winds.

Synonyms

reef point
vsreefing line
  • Specialized
9.0

A short piece of rope sewn into a sail to make the sail smaller in strong wind

is used to tie down sail when reducing its area not only in strong winds
reef line
vsreefing line
  • Specialized
8.1

A short rope attached to a sail that sailors use to make the sail smaller in strong wind

is stitched through the sail fabric rather than simply attached to it

Surface Forms

reefing line singular
reefing lines plural

Morphology

reef + line

The phrase is compositionally built: 'reef' (to fold/secure part of a sail) + 'line' (a rope) yields a rope used for reefing, so the meaning is directly derivable from the constituents. Although nautical and somewhat specialized, the verb+line compound is a regular English formation and would be transparent to a learner who already knows both words.

Etymology

Reefing line comes from sailing: it is the short rope called the line that sailors use to tie down part of the sail, the reefing, when the wind is strong. So a reefing line is literally the rope used to 'make the sail smaller' and keep the boat safe.