spinnaker

noun

spin·​na·​ker ˈspi-ni-kər How to pronounce spinnaker (audio)
: a large triangular sail set on a long light pole and used when running before the wind

Examples of spinnaker 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.
This time, with the wind at our back, Henke unfurled a royal-blue spinnaker, a lightweight three-cornered sail perfect for the present wind conditions. — Ingrid K. Williams, New York Times, 25 July 2023 Two instructors, competitive sailors though barely older, demonstrated how to attach a lightweight spinnaker to sail off wind. — Joanna Daemmrich, Washington Post, 27 Aug. 2022

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spinnaker was in 1866

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

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Kids Definition

spinnaker

noun
spin·​na·​ker ˈspin-i-kər How to pronounce spinnaker (audio)
: a large triangular sail set on a long light pole and used when sailing with the wind pushing from behind or nearly so
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