mizzenmast

or miz·en·mast

[ miz-uhn-mast, -mahst; Nautical miz-uhn-muhst ]

noun

, Nautical.

1. the third mast from forward in a vessel having three or more masts.
2. the after and shorter mast of a yawl, ketch, or dandy; jiggermast.

mizzenmast

/ ˈmɪzənməst; ˈmɪzənˌmɑːst /

noun

1. (on a yawl, ketch, or dandy) the after mast
2. (on a vessel with three or more masts) the third mast from the bow

Word History and Origins

Origin of mizzenmast¹

First recorded in 1375–1425, mizzenmast is from late Middle English meson mast. See mizzen, mast ¹

Example Sentences

Broadside code of conduct man-of-war careen Jolly Roger mizzenmast Brethren of the Coast.

From Seattle Times

I find him mopping aft, back toward the mizzenmast, clearing the deck of grime and the occasional brain.

From Literature

The Dunmore’s mizzenmast, cracked by shot, collapsed, and took with it the main topmast.

From Literature

It was like watching a pirate captain swinging from the mizzenmast, dueling all comers: It was great drama, and it works against almost any team not named the Golden State Warriors.

From New York Times

There is rope everywhere — running down from the ceiling, coiled underfoot — and it’s easy to imagine you’re standing on the boom of a mizzenmast.

From Washington Post