yacht
n. countablen. a large, expensive boat used for racing or for relaxing on the water. People often use them for vacations or private parties.
n. a medium-to-large vessel used for private cruising, racing, or recreation. Often associated with luxury or high-performance sailing.
They spent their summer vacation sailing on a private yacht.
The billionaire kept his luxury yacht docked in the harbor during the winter months.
While smaller vessels struggled against the rising tide, the sleek yacht cut through the waves with remarkable stability, showcasing its advanced hull design.
Circa 1557; variant of yaught, earlier yeaghe (“light, fast-sailing ship”), from Dutch jacht (“yacht; hunt”), in older spelling jaght(e), short for jaghtschip (“light sailing vessel, fast pirate ship”, literally “pursuit ship”), compound of jacht and schip (“ship”). In the 16th century the Dutch built light, fast ships to chase the ships of pirates and smugglers from the coast. The ship was introduced to England in 1660 when the Dutch East India Company presented one to King Charles II, who used it as a pleasure boat, after which it was copied by British shipbuilders as a pleasure craft for wealthy gentlemen.
Commonly used with the verbs 'sail', 'dock', or 'charter'.
He bought a big yatchHe bought a big yachtThe spelling is tricky for learners; the 'ch' comes before the 't', not after it.