English Reference

Word

sloop

US/ˈsɫup/

UK/slˈuːp/

Definition

n. 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.

Examples

“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.”

Examples

simple

“The small sloop sailed quickly across the bay.”

contextual

“During the 18th century, the sloop was a popular choice for privateers due to its ability to outrun larger ships.”

complex

“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.”

Real-World Examples

“The Turtle followed, reportedly transported from Connecticut to New York aboard a small sloop .”
Smithsonian Magazine · 3 Sept 2026
“Just two days after the Hannah got underway in September 1775, its crew captured the Unity , a sloop loaded with naval stores and lumber, supplies sorely needed by the British forces in Boston.”
Smithsonian Magazine · 22 Jun 2026

Etymology

Borrowed from Dutch sloep. Doublet of chalupa and shallop.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Domains

MilitaryNautical

This entry

Level
C2 · Proficiency
Frequency
Occasional
Updated

Scan code

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English Reference