# abeam

/ɐbˈiːm/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abeam
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

at a right angle to the direction you are facing. You use this when talking about the sides of a ship or plane.

For teachers: at a right angle to the direction of motion or the line of sight. Often used in nautical or aviation contexts to describe the lateral position of an object relative to a vessel.

## Examples

- The lighthouse was abeam of the ship.
- The pilot adjusted the aircraft so that the runway lights were abeam of the cockpit.
- As the vessel approached the harbor, the crew noted that the buoy was abeam of the stern, indicating they were on the correct heading for the turning circle.

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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.