yardarm

[ yahrd-ahrm ]

noun

, Nautical.

1. either of the outer portions of the yard of a square sail.

yardarm

/ ˈjɑːdˌɑːm /

noun

1. nautical the two tapering outer ends of a ship's yard

Word History and Origins

Origin of yardarm¹

First recorded in 1545–55; yard ¹ + arm ¹

Example Sentences

The sun’s over the yardarm if I’m not cruelly mistaken.

From New York Times

Twenty-two canvas sails were lashed into place on the yardarms above us.

From Salon

“It’s not so we can penalize or hang somebody from a yardarm,” he said.

From Washington Times

It had a famous navy battle cry - “Don’t Give Up The Ship” - flying from the port yardarm.

From Reuters

In the Timberlake household, drinking starts as soon as “the sun is over the yardarm.”

From Los Angeles Times