# nautical

/ˈnɔtəkəɫ/ (US) · /nˈɔːtɪkəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/nautical
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

relating to ships, sailors, or travel on the ocean. You use it to describe things that have a sea-themed style.

For teachers: relating to sailors, navigation, or ships. Often used to describe aesthetic choices or technical aspects of maritime life.

## Examples

- The room is decorated in a nautical style.
- The captain used various nautical charts to navigate the ship safely through the narrow channel.
- The coastal town's architecture is steeped in nautical history, with many buildings featuring salvaged timber from old shipwrecks and weather-beaten brass fittings.

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before a noun.

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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.