# mast

/ˈmæst/ (US) · /mˈɑːst/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/mast
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. ship's pole

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- The sailors climbed high up the mast to fix the torn sail during the storm.
- The main mast of the schooner snapped under the immense pressure of the gale, leaving the crew unable to steer effectively.

### 2. radio/TV tower

noun · CEFR B2 · British English

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

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

- The village finally got a better signal after a new mobile phone mast was built on the hill.
- Engineers were dispatched to the remote transmitter mast to repair damage caused by the recent lightning strike.

### 3. forest fruit

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

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

- In autumn, the pigs were released into the woods to feed on the fallen mast.
- A heavy mast year provides an abundance of energy-rich acorns, which can lead to a significant increase in the local rodent population.

### 4. military hearing

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal

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

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

- The young sailor was called to the captain's mast for being late to his watch.
- The commander used the morning mast to address several minor infractions and maintain discipline within the unit.

### 5. to fit a mast

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical

to put a mast onto a ship.

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

- The shipbuilders worked all day to mast the new vessel before it was launched.
- The shipyard was specifically designed to mast large vessels, featuring a crane capable of lifting heavy timber spars into position.

## Examples

- The ship's main mast broke during the heavy storm.
- The local community protested against the installation of a new mobile phone mast on the hill.
- As the schooner rounded the cape, the crew scrambled to secure the rigging against the central mast to prevent the gale from snapping the timber.

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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.