maritime

[mar-i-tahym]

adjective

1. associated with the sea or waterways to the sea in relation to navigation, shipping, etc..

   Maritime commerce accounts for trillions of dollars in annual U.S. economic activity.

2. of or relating to the sea or waterways to the sea.

   maritime resources.

3. bordering on the sea.

   picturesque maritime towns.

4. living near or in the sea.

   maritime plants.

5. characteristic of a sailor; nautical.

   She stands on the foredeck, glad to be wearing her maritime rain gear.

maritime

/ ˈmærɪˌtaɪm /

adjective

1. of or relating to navigation, shipping, etc; seafaring

2. of, relating to, near, or living near the sea

3. (of a climate) having small temperature differences between summer and winter; equable

Other Word Forms

• nonmaritime adjective
• unmaritime adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of maritime¹

First recorded in 1540–50; from Latin maritimus “pertaining to the sea,” equivalent to mari- (stem of mare “sea”) + -timus adjective suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of maritime¹

C16: from Latin maritimus from mare sea

Example Sentences

Israel said it had prevented a breach of the maritime blockade around Gaza.

From BBC

The region was once considered the world's most dangerous area for maritime piracy, surpassing the waters off Somalia.

From BBC

Legal experts previously told the BBC that the fatal strike on the first vessel in international waters may have violated international human rights and maritime law.

From BBC

The action followed a previous strike on Sept. 1 that killed 11 people, after which legal experts told the BBC that the U.S. may have violated international human rights and maritime law.

From Salon

“Wasteful, wind projects are using resources that could otherwise go towards revitalizing America’s maritime industry,” U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• aquatic 
• deep-sea 
• marine 
• naval 
• oceangoing 
• seafaring 
• seagoing