head sea

American  

noun

Nautical.

1. a formation of waves running in a direction opposite to that of a vessel.

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head sea British  

noun

1. a sea in which the waves run directly against the course of a ship

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Etymology

Origin of head sea

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

head sea

On rough water days a slower throttle setting provided a dry and more comfortable speed in a head sea.

From Time Magazine Archive

In fact, we ran for a time at 2300 rpm, making 27 mph straight into the head sea, and the ride was very comfortable.

From Time Magazine Archive

One dip into a head sea and I was hanging onto the grabrail in the companion seat and praying for my foul-weather gear.

From Time Magazine Archive

While struggling with a head sea, and before the boat could reach the mast, the end came.

From The Loss of the Kent, East Indiaman, in the Bay of Biscay Narrated in a Letter to a Friend by Duncan McGregor

"There is nothing to be done now but to let her run," said Harry, as he gripped the helm hard to meet a sudden plunge into a head sea.

From A Voyage with Captain Dynamite by Charles Edward Rich