binnacle

noun

bin·​na·​cle ˈbi-ni-kəl How to pronounce binnacle (audio)
1
: a housing for a ship's compass and a lamp
2
: a container for instruments in an automobile dashboard
All but the shortest drivers find unrestricted sightlines to a hooded instrument binnacle loaded with nicely legible gauges.— Daniel Charles Ross

Examples of binnacle 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.
Driver’s instrument binnacle, which offers a wide range of display options. — Mark Ewing, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025 The most obvious changes are how the analogue rev counter has been replaced by an all-digital instrument binnacle, and the new open-pore walnut laminated gear knob. — Alistair Charlton, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 The binnacle itself has been shaped aerodynamically. — Jason Barlow, WIRED, 6 Oct. 2024 Chassis and power-train modes are selected by rocker switches within fingertip reach on the instrument binnacle, leaving the steering wheel pleasingly bereft of buttons. — Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 2 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for binnacle

Word History

Etymology

alteration of Middle English bitakle, from Old Portuguese or Old Spanish; Old Portuguese bitácola & Old Spanish bitácula, from Latin habitaculum dwelling place, from habitare to inhabit — more at habitation

First Known Use

1622, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of binnacle was in 1622

Rhymes for binnacle

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“Binnacle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/binnacle. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

binnacle

noun
bin·​na·​cle ˈbin-i-kəl How to pronounce binnacle (audio)
: a box or stand containing a ship's compass and a lamp

More from Merriam-Webster on binnacle

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about binnacle

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