# abaft

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abaft
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Senses

### 1. at the back of a ship

adverb · CEFR C2 · Technical

at or toward the back part of a ship.

For teachers: located in or toward the stern of a vessel.

- The captain stood on the deck and looked abaft at the trail in the water.
- The crew gathered abaft to secure the rigging as the storm intensified near the stern.

### 2. behind something on a ship

preposition · CEFR C2 · Technical

behind a specific part of a ship.

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

- The lifeboats are located abaft the main mast.
- The modern radar equipment was installed abaft the funnel to ensure an unobstructed view of the horizon.

## Examples

- The crew gathered abaft the main mast.
- The captain noticed a small fishing boat trailing abaft the stern as the sun began to set.
- The heavy cargo was secured abaft the engine room to maintain the ship's balance during the expected storm.

## Usage notes

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

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.