luff

[ luhf ]

noun

, Nautical.

1. the forward edge of a fore-and-aft sail.

verb (used without object)

1. to bring the head of a sailing ship closer to or directly into the wind, with sails shaking.
2. (of a sail) to shake from being set too close to the wind:

   The sail luffed as we put about for port.

3. to raise or lower the outer end of the boom of a crane or derrick so as to move its load horizontally.

verb (used with object)

1. to set (the helm of a ship) in such a way as to bring the head of the ship into the wind.
2. to raise or lower the outer end of (the boom of a crane or derrick).

luff

/ lʌf /

noun

1. nautical the leading edge of a fore-and-aft sail

noun

1. tackle consisting of a single and a double block for use with rope having a large diameter

verb

1. nautical to head (a sailing vessel) into the wind so that her sails flap
2. intr nautical (of a sail) to flap when the wind is blowing equally on both sides
3. to move the jib of (a crane) or raise or lower the boom of (a derrick) in order to shift a load

Other Words From

• un·luffed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of luff¹

1175–1225; Middle English lof, loof steering gear (compare Old French lof ) < Middle Dutch (unrecorded), later Dutch loef tholepin (of tiller)

Word History and Origins

Origin of luff¹

C13 (in the sense: steering gear): from Old French lof, perhaps from Middle Dutch loef peg of a tiller; compare Old High German laffa palm of hand, oar blade, Russian lapa paw

Example Sentences

The canvas luffed a bit, then pulled tight.

From Seattle Times

Under Mr. Horvath’s direction, Ms. Dowd raised the luffing sail, using a winch to pull the line tight and then secure it.

From New York Times

Waves luffed and spat in my face or carried me up on swells like the exhalations of a great and gentle giant.

From The Guardian

Spithill, typically combative, tried to luff Team New Zealand at the start of the first beat but the Kiwis crossed his bow and the move cost the Italian boat the lead which New Zealand retained.

From Washington Times

“Love is too weak a word for what I feel — I luuurve you, you know, I loave you, I luff you, two F’s, yes.”

From Los Angeles Times