spinnaker

[ spin-uh-ker ]

noun

, Nautical.

1. a large, usually triangular sail carried by a yacht as a headsail when running before the wind or when the wind is abaft the beam.

spinnaker

/ ˈspæŋkə; ˈspɪnəkə /

noun

1. a large light triangular racing sail set from the foremast of a yacht when running or on a broad reach

Word History and Origins

Origin of spinnaker¹

First recorded in 1865–70; said to be alteration of Sphinx, name of the first yacht making regular use of this sail

Word History and Origins

Origin of spinnaker¹

C19: probably from spin + ( mo ) niker , but traditionally derived from Sphinx, the yacht that first adopted this type of sail