# pooping

/pˈuːpɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pooping
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

the act of a ship's back end dipping under a wave. This happens when a large wave comes from behind and breaks over the rear part of the boat.

For teachers: the action of a heavy sea breaking over the stern of a vessel while it is running before the wind. Refers specifically to the stern being submerged or swamped by a following wave.

## Examples

- The small boat narrowly avoided pooping in the heavy storm.
- While running downwind in the gale, the yacht suffered a pooping that filled the cockpit with seawater.
- Experienced sailors fear pooping more than most other hazards, as the weight of a following sea crashing onto the stern can easily swamp the vessel or cause a loss of steering.

## Usage notes

- Primarily used in nautical contexts; often appears as a gerund to describe the event.

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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.