ketch
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of ketch
1475–85; earlier cache, apparently noun use of cache to catch
Compare meaning
How does ketch compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
A ketch is a sturdy, strong sailboat that has two masts and usually weighs over 100 tons. A ketch is a good sailboat to cruise around on if you’re experienced enough to handle a big boat (or if you know someone who is). It's more common to sail a ketch in Europe than in the United States, where sailors tend to prefer the schooner. The two boats are similar in size and have two masts, but a ketch has a smaller sail in back. Fans of the ketch describe it as extremely balanced, while critics say a ketch loses power too easily because of that small rear sail. The word was originally spelled "catch," from the Middle English cacchen, for “to capture, chase.”
Vocabulary lists containing ketch
Red Kayak
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The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation (Volume 2)
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Pohlmann, who owns Today’s Ketch Seafood & Restaurant in Chalmette, said crawfish sales are 30% of what he normally sees.
From Seattle Times • Mar. 22, 2024
And Ketch Secor of Old Crow Medicine Show led the crowd in the Christian hymn, “Will the Circle Be Unbroken,” which brought many to tears.
From Washington Times • Mar. 29, 2023
Tuttle will spend much of this year on the road playing headlining shows and festivals including Bonnaroo and opening gigs for Old Crow Medicine Show, with whose Ketch Secor she’s in a romantic relationship.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 3, 2023
They were sold at Walt Disney World, Disneyland and the Treasure Ketch shops on three Disney cruise ships.
From New York Times • Jan. 19, 2016
“Sorry, sir,” said Mr. Ketch, and he patted his mustache with one gloved finger, looked up the hill and down again, and whistled through his teeth.
From "The Graveyard Book" by Neil Gaiman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
