Schooner Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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schooner

[ˈskuːnər ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

type of boat

A schooner is a type of sailing vessel characterized by its fore-and-aft rigging and typically having two or more masts. Schooners are designed for speed and agility, making them suitable for both coastal and open-sea navigation.

Synonyms

sailing ship, vessel, yacht.

Examples of usage

  • The old schooner sailed gracefully across the bay.
  • They restored a historic schooner and took it out sailing.
  • The regatta featured several beautiful schooners competing for the trophy.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

History

  • Schooners were often used for fishing, trade, and smuggling, especially along the coasts of North America during the 19th century.
  • The first schooners were designed in the Bay of Fundy, Canada, where the unique tidal conditions favored their fast sailing capabilities.
  • Some of the fastest vessels of their time, schooners won many races and even took part in naval expeditions.

Pop Culture

  • The romantic image of a schooner has appeared in numerous movies and songs, capturing the adventurous spirit of sailing.
  • 'schooner' is also popularly used as a name in various fictional works, resulting in characters that embody freedom and exploration.
  • Barbados and other Caribbean countries often celebrate their maritime heritage, showcasing historical schooners in festivals.

Science

  • The design of a schooner allows it to sail efficiently at various angles to the wind, making it a popular choice for racing.
  • Advanced sail technology in modern schooners uses lightweight materials, enhancing speed and control.
  • Schooners are a great example of how human ingenuity has allowed for better navigation and exploration across oceans.

Literature

  • Sailing schooners have been featured in classic literature, symbolizing adventure and the spirit of exploration in stories like 'Treasure Island'.
  • Many sea shanties and poems celebrate the life of sailors aboard schooners, capturing the highs and lows of maritime journeys.
  • The narrative of various novels often revolves around the lifeblood of trade and exploration, where schooners play a pivotal role.

Origin of 'schooner'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'schooner' likely comes from the Dutch word 'schoener', referring to a small sailing vessel.
  • Initially, the term appeared in print in the 18th century, illustrating the design's popularity among shipbuilders.
  • Early American use of the word showed the influence of European nautical terminology in colonial times.

The term 'schooner' originated in the early 18th century, likely from the Dutch word 'schoener', which means 'to jump' or 'to skip'. This may refer to the ship's ability to sail quickly and nimbly. The design of schooners became popular due to their effectiveness in various sailing conditions, as well as their utility in trade and fishing during the age of sail. By the 19th century, schooners were commonly used across the Atlantic, especially in North America, as they provided a balance between speed and cargo capacity. Their popularity declined with the advent of steam power, but schooners remain an iconic representation of sailing heritage.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,032, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.