# conn

/ˈkɑn/ (US) · /kˈɒn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/conn
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. control of a ship

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the job or duty of directing a ship's steering.

For teachers: the station or duty of directing the steering of a vessel. Usually appears in the phrase 'to have the conn' or 'to take the conn'.

- The captain took the conn as the ship entered the narrow harbour.
- Once the vessel cleared the reef, the officer of the watch handed over the conn to the incoming navigator.

Usage: Typically used with the definite article as 'the conn'.

### 2. to direct a ship

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical

to direct the person steering a ship, especially through a difficult area.

For teachers: to direct the steering of a vessel, specifically by giving orders to the helmsman rather than steering personally.

- The pilot conned the tanker safely through the crowded channel.
- The commander conned the ship from the bridge, monitoring the sonar closely as they navigated the shallow coastal waters.

Usage: Transitive verb taking the vessel as its direct object.

## Examples

- There is a strong conn between the two events.
- The journalist found a clear conn between the politician's speech and the recent policy changes.
- Scholars debate the historical conn between early trade routes and the spread of cultural practices across continents.

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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.