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Yawl: meaning, definitions and examples

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yawl

 

[ jɔːl ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

type of boat

A yawl is a type of sailboat that has two masts, with the second mast located behind the main mast. This design allows for better balance and sailing performance, especially when sailing downwind. Yawls are often used for cruising and racing due to their ability to handle various wind conditions. The smaller mizzen mast contributes to the overall stability of the boat, making it a popular choice among sailors.

Synonyms

catboat, keelboat, sailboat

Examples of usage

  • We set sail on our yawl for the weekend.
  • The yawl glided smoothly across the water.
  • He learned to navigate on a classic yawl.
  • Racing with a yawl requires skill and strategy.
Context #2 | Noun

type of ship

In historical contexts, a yawl can refer to a type of ship that was commonly used in the 18th and 19th centuries. These vessels were often rigged with two masts and served various purposes, including fishing, trading, and exploration. The yawl's design allowed for agile maneuvering, making it suitable for coastal navigation.

Synonyms

ship, vessel

Examples of usage

  • The yawl was used for coastal trading.
  • Sailors preferred the yawl for its maneuverability.
  • A yawl can often be spotted in historical reenactments.
  • The crew worked tirelessly on the old yawl.

Translations

Translations of the word "yawl" in other languages:

🇵🇹 yawl

🇮🇳 यॉल

🇩🇪 Yacht

🇮🇩 yawl

🇺🇦 яол

🇵🇱 jacht

🇯🇵 ヨール

🇫🇷 yawl

🇪🇸 yawl

🇹🇷 yawl

🇰🇷 요얼

🇸🇦 يول

🇨🇿 yawl

🇸🇰 yawl

🇨🇳 小帆船

🇸🇮 yawl

🇮🇸 yawl

🇰🇿 явл

🇬🇪 იოლ

🇦🇿 yawl

🇲🇽 yawl

Etymology

The term 'yawl' originates from the Dutch word 'jol', meaning a small boat. It was first used in the English language in the 17th century, primarily to describe a specific type of boat that features two masts. Originally, yawls were designed for fishing and trade, evolving over the years to accommodate recreational sailing and racing. The design was influenced by the need for a stable vessel that could be easily handled by a small crew. The yawl's popularity increased during the Age of Sail, becoming a favored choice for coastal navigation among mariners. Today, the yawl remains a beloved vessel in sailing communities around the world, appreciated for its performance and versatility.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,095 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.