Bowsprit - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A bowsprit is a long pole extending from the front of a ship, used to support sails and rigging. It helps stabilize the vessel and improve its sailing performance.
Definition:
A spar extending from a ship's bow to which the forestays are fastened.
Synonyms:
jibboom, spar, mast, boom
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
sternpost, transom
Common Collocations:
ship's bowsprit, rigging the bowsprit, bowsprit extension, bowsprit netting
Derivatives:
bowsprits, bowspritted (rare)
Usage Tips:
Use "bowsprit" to refer specifically to the forward-projecting spar on a sailing vessel; avoid confusion with other ship parts like masts or booms.
Common Phrases:
over the bowsprit, under the bowsprit, bowsprit rigging
Etymology:
From Middle Dutch "boechspriet," combining "boech" (bow) and "spriet" (pole).
Examples:
- 1. The ship's bowsprit extended far over the water.
- 2. He carefully climbed along the narrow bowsprit to adjust the sails.
- 3. The old painting showed a vessel with an ornately carved bowsprit.
- 4. Strong winds snapped the bowsprit during the storm at sea.