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

Example Sentences

Lost Bay is a one day, single race regatta for mono-hull sailboats of at least twenty feet with both spinnaker and non-spinnaker divisions.

From Salon

Two instructors, competitive sailors though barely older, demonstrated how to attach a lightweight spinnaker to sail off wind.

From Washington Post

You can only try to describe Avery’s colors, knowing in advance your attempts will crumple like a spinnaker turned into the wind.

From Washington Post

According to Chris Johnson, the With Grace skipper, Mueller accidentally stepped into a line that looped around his foot right as the spinnaker filled.

From Seattle Times

“I like the colors of the kite,” she said, pointing to the pink, blue and purple spinnaker during a lull in the wind.

From Seattle Times