centerboard

American

[sen-ter-bawrd, -bohrd] / ˈsɛn tərˌbɔrd, -ˌboʊrd /

noun

Nautical.

a pivoted fin keel that can be swung upward and aft within a watertight trunk when not in use.

Etymology

Origin of centerboard

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50; center + board

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.

For the trip, Coneys chartered the Megan Jaye, a 43-foot aft-cockpit, Hinckley centerboard sloop.

From Salon • Jul. 11, 2020

The centerboard fleets begin racing on Saturday, with events starting at 10:30 a.m.

From Seattle Times • May 21, 2011

Australian Price handled his 16-ft. centerboard Sundowner as though it was wearing a motor, blew U.S.

From Time Magazine Archive

Korchnoi made questionable exchanges at moves 10 and 12, allowing Karpov to execute a centerboard attack on the 24th move.

From Time Magazine Archive

But the centerboard twice rubbed on the bottom lightly, so he took her back out a bit to deeper water until he had covered most of the bay and still found no sign of civilization.

From "The Voyage Of The Frog" by Gary Paulsen

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023