# schooner

/ˈskunɝ/ (US) · /skˈuːnɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/schooner
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. sailing ship

noun · CEFR B2

a fast sailing ship with two or more masts and sails that run from front to back.

For teachers: a sailing vessel with two or more masts, typically rigged with fore-and-aft sails; if two-masted, the foremast is usually shorter than the mainmast.

- The old schooner sailed gracefully into the harbour with its white sails full of wind.
- During the nineteenth century, the schooner became the preferred vessel for coastal trade due to its speed and ability to sail close to the wind.

### 2. beer glass

noun · CEFR C1 · American English · Dialect

a large glass used for serving beer, especially in Australia or the United States.

For teachers: a large drinking glass or goblet used for beer; in Australia, it specifically refers to a 425ml measure, though sizes vary by region.

- He ordered a schooner of cold lager at the bar to cool down.
- The patron requested a schooner of the local pale ale, noting that the serving size was larger than what he was used to back home.

### 3. sherry glass

noun · CEFR C2 · British English

a glass used for drinking a large serving of sherry.

For teachers: a specific type of glassware used for serving a large measure of fortified wine, particularly sherry.

- She sipped a schooner of dry sherry while waiting for the dinner guests to arrive.
- The traditional pub served its fortified wines in a schooner, a practice that has become less common in modern cocktail bars.

### 4. covered wagon

noun · CEFR C2 · American English · Archaic

a large wagon with a cloth cover used by people travelling across North America in the past.

For teachers: a large, canvas-covered wagon used by pioneers and emigrants for long-distance travel across the American West.

- The family packed all their belongings into a schooner to head west.
- The iconic image of the prairie schooner remains a powerful symbol of the westward expansion across the Great Plains in the mid-1800s.

## Examples

- The old schooner sailed gracefully into the harbor.
- During the nineteenth century, the schooner was a popular choice for coastal trade due to its speed and small crew requirements.
- The restoration of the vintage schooner required specialized timber and a deep understanding of traditional rigging techniques to ensure it remained seaworthy for the upcoming regatta.

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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.