binnacle
1 Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of binnacle1
1615–25; bin + ( bitt ) acle ( late Middle English bitakille ) < Portuguese bitacola < Latin habitāculum lodge, equivalent to habitā- ( inhabit ) + -culum -cule 2
Origin of binnacle2
1855–60, probably folk-etymological spelling of New York Dutch *binnekil, equivalent to Dutch binne ( n ) inner, interior ( ben 1 ) + kil channel; kill 2
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.
Every version comes loaded with double-layered glass, fully adjustable heated rear seats, real wood trim, a 12-inch high-definition touch navigation screen and a binnacle between the front seats that can recharge your smart phone wirelessly.
From Golf Digest • Aug. 18, 2017
On one side of the structure is a protruding gray steel window that Mr. Radic likens to a binnacle, the box that encases a ship’s compass.
From New York Times • Jul. 3, 2014
The steering wheel is offset to port, placing the binnacle near the center of the console, as on many family-friendly boats.
From Time Magazine Archive
Standard features include a four-legged cushioned leaning post with seating for two, Teleflex SeaStar hydraulic steering, a stainless-steel console handrail, a Ritchie compass and Yamaha 704 premium binnacle control.
From Time Magazine Archive
One eye on the binnacle, the other on the spotlighted water before his bow, Kabuo inched forward on blind faith.
From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson
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.
