sloop
n. countablen. a small, fast sailing ship with only one mast and a large sail. It is known for being very good at moving quickly through the water.
n. a sailing vessel with a single mast and a fore-and-aft rig, typically featuring a large mainsail and a smaller headsail. Historically significant in naval and merchant contexts for its speed and maneuverability.
The small sloop sailed quickly across the bay.
During the 18th century, the sloop was a popular choice for privateers due to its ability to outrun larger ships.
The design of the sloop allowed for a high degree of agility, making it an ideal vessel for coastal patrols and swift, independent voyages across the Atlantic.
Borrowed from Dutch sloep. Doublet of chalupa and shallop.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Last updated May 25, 2026