yacht

American  

[yot] / yɒt /

noun

1. a vessel used for private cruising, racing, or other noncommercial purposes.

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verb (used without object)

1. to sail, voyage, or race in a yacht.

yacht British  

/ jɒt /

noun

1. a vessel propelled by sail or power, used esp for pleasure cruising, racing, etc

2. short for sand yacht ice yacht

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verb

1. (intr) to sail or cruise in a yacht

Other Word Forms

• superyacht noun
• yachty adjective

Etymology

Origin of yacht

1550–60; < early Dutch jaght, short for jaghtschip hunting ship, equivalent to Dutch jacht hunt (derivative of jagen to hunt) + schip ship ¹

Compare meaning

How does yacht compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• yacht vs. sailboat

Example Sentences

The real action took place during hundreds of happy hours, invite-only dinners and exclusive yacht parties where nerds have never been so cool.

From The Wall Street Journal

Both sites offer rentals ranging from yachts to jet skis, as well as fishing charters, party boats and other experiences.

From The Wall Street Journal

Rising stocks also support the economy through the wealth effect—the tendency of households to spend a portion of each added dollar in wealth on anything from yachts to movie tickets.

From The Wall Street Journal

It isn’t hard to think that Jeff Bezos left his role as Amazon.com’s CEO to enjoy a slower life filled with yachting and celebrity parties.

From The Wall Street Journal

They listen to playlists while pulling carts loaded with cinder blocks: yacht rock for mornings, Jock Jam in the afternoon.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• racer
• sailboat
• sloop