ENGLISH
REFERENCE

mast

n. · v.
US //ˈmæst// UK //mˈɑːst// mast
  1. 1 ship's pole (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate nautical

    a tall vertical pole on a ship or boat that supports the sails.

    a vertical spar or structure rising from the keel or deck of a vessel to support sails, yards, and rigging.

    Example

    The sailors climbed high up the mast to fix the torn sail during the storm.

    Example

    The main mast of the schooner snapped under the immense pressure of the gale, leaving the crew unable to steer effectively.
  2. 2 radio/TV tower (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate British English Computing

    a tall metal tower used to send and receive radio, television, or mobile phone signals.

    a tall, often guyed, structure used as an antenna or to support antennas for telecommunications.

    Example

    The village finally got a better signal after a new mobile phone mast was built on the hill.

    Example

    Engineers were dispatched to the remote transmitter mast to repair damage caused by the recent lightning strike.
  3. 3 forest fruit (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical ecology

    the nuts of forest trees, like acorns or beech nuts, that fall to the ground and serve as food for animals.

    the fruit of forest trees, such as acorns and other nuts, especially when considered as food for livestock or wildlife.

    Example

    In autumn, the pigs were released into the woods to feed on the fallen mast.

    Example

    A heavy mast year provides an abundance of energy-rich acorns, which can lead to a significant increase in the local rodent population.
  4. 4 military hearing (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Formal military

    a formal meeting where a commanding officer deals with someone who has broken the rules.

    a formal disciplinary hearing conducted by a commanding officer to adjudicate minor offences.

    Example

    The young sailor was called to the captain's mast for being late to his watch.

    Example

    The commander used the morning mast to address several minor infractions and maintain discipline within the unit.
  5. 5 to fit a mast (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical nautical

    to put a mast onto a ship.

    to equip a vessel with a mast or masts. Transitive — requires a direct object.

    Example

    The shipbuilders worked all day to mast the new vessel before it was launched.

    Example

    The shipyard was specifically designed to mast large vessels, featuring a crane capable of lifting heavy timber spars into position.
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Last updated June 20, 2026