mainmast

[ meyn-mast, -mahst; Nautical meyn-muhst ]

noun

, Nautical.

1. the second mast from forward in any ship having two or more masts, mast, except for a yawl, ketch, or dandy.
2. the larger forward mast of a yawl, ketch, or dandy.
3. the sole mast of any of various ships, as sloops or cutters.

mainmast

/ ˈmeɪnˌmɑːst /

noun

1. nautical the chief mast of a sailing vessel with two or more masts, being the foremast of a yawl, ketch, or dandy and the second mast from the bow of most others

Word History and Origins

Origin of mainmast¹

First recorded in 1475–85; main ¹ + mast ¹

Example Sentences

The bulwarks, boats, and binnacle were carried clean off, and the mainmast had to be cut away.

From Project Gutenberg

He had taken a gun and loaded it with double-headed shot, and kept firing at the mainmast of the Serapis.

From Project Gutenberg

At the foot of the mainmast on each side is a brass fair-lead fitted with ten or twelve sheaves (figs. 13 and 14).

From Project Gutenberg

The Constitution was sound and whole; the Java had only her mainmast left and was full of yawning rents.

From Project Gutenberg

The cabin was roomy, well carpeted, and contained a stationary table through the center of which ran the mainmast of the schooner.

From Project Gutenberg