sternway

[ sturn-wey ]

noun

1. Nautical. the movement of a vessel backward, or stern foremost.

sternway

/ ˈstɜːnˌweɪ /

noun

1. nautical movement of a vessel sternforemost

Word History and Origins

Origin of sternway¹

First recorded in 1760–70; stern ² + way ¹

Example Sentences

Mr. Denny said, “Craziest thing I’ve ever seen, sir. Hardly enough wind to make sternway, and the waves are pounding us to pieces.”

From Literature

It now remained to be seen whether she would gather sternway before her sharp stem crashed into the other destroyer amidships.

From Project Gutenberg

With a sickening jerk, as if the little craft were parting amidships, the patrol-boat stopped and gathered sternway.

From Project Gutenberg

Then taking sternway she backed on her enemy, and the rigging and an anchor becoming entangled, she could not get off.

From Project Gutenberg

The ship was now gathering sternway, drifting rapidly to lee'ard the while.

From Project Gutenberg