bowsprit

noun

bow·​sprit ˈbau̇-ˌsprit How to pronounce bowsprit (audio)
 British usually  ˈbō-
: a large spar projecting forward from the stem of a ship

Examples of bowsprit in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The vessel is sure to stand out, thanks to the large silver jaguar sculpture fitted under its bowsprit. Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 18 Sep. 2024 Khan’s previous Kismet was a stunner, a 312-footer with a basketball court, video walls, a removable silver jaguar on the bowsprit and one of the most electric interiors on the water. Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 8 July 2024 This time, he’s decided to make the big cat a permanent fixture by incorporating a silver sculpture on the underside of the bowsprit. Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 5 Apr. 2024 Among the improvements Lawson made was removing the bowsprit, a pole used to hoist big sails. Hayes Gardner, Baltimore Sun, 28 July 2023 On game day when Khan’s NFL team, the Jacksonville Jaguars, are playing, a 13-foot silver statue of a jaguar with its paw resting on a football helmet is mounted on the bowsprit. Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 9 June 2023 While her towering wooden masts, 39-foot bowsprit, and extensive sail plan are exact replicas, McLaren curated the interior spaces himself, from the original Frank Beken photographs that adorn the solid mahogany, Georgian raised paneled walls to the ruby red leather upholstery and vintage fittings. Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 26 May 2023 From her needle-like, gold-leafed bowsprit, to her rounded, oh-so-elegant fantail stern, Nadan oozes Art Deco-era style and elegance. Howard Walker, Robb Report, 14 Apr. 2023 In this image taken from video provided by the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the bowsprit of the Ironton is seen in Lake Huron off Michigan's east coast in a June 2021 photo. CBS News, 1 Mar. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Middle English bouspret, probably from Middle Low German boochspreet, from booch bow + spreet pole

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bowsprit was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near bowsprit

Cite this Entry

“Bowsprit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bowsprit. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

bowsprit

noun
bow·​sprit ˈbau̇-ˌsprit How to pronounce bowsprit (audio)
: a large pole for sails sticking out from the bow of a ship
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!