ENGLISH
REFERENCE

abaft

adv. · prep.
abaft
  1. 1 at the back of a ship (adv.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    at or toward the back part of a ship.

    located in or toward the stern of a vessel.

    Example

    The captain stood on the deck and looked abaft at the trail in the water.

    Example

    The crew gathered abaft to secure the rigging as the storm intensified near the stern.
  2. 2 behind something on a ship (prep.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    behind a specific part of a ship.

    further aft than or behind a specific object or position on a vessel.

    Example

    The lifeboats are located abaft the main mast.

    Example

    The modern radar equipment was installed abaft the funnel to ensure an unobstructed view of the horizon.
Origin

From Middle English obaft, baft, baften, from Old English beæftan; be (“by”) (modern English by) + æftan (“behind”) (modern English after). See also aft.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Usage

Commonly used with 'the' and a specific part of the ship (e.g., 'abaft the beam').

Related words

Last updated May 2, 2026