mizzenmast

Or miz·en·mast

[miz-uhn-mast, -mahst, miz-uhn-muhst]

noun

Nautical.

1. the third mast from forward in a vessel having three or more masts.

2. the after and shorter mast of a yawl, ketch, or dandy; jiggermast.

mizzenmast

/ ˈmɪzənməst, ˈmɪzənˌmɑːst /

noun

1. (on a yawl, ketch, or dandy) the after mast

2. (on a vessel with three or more masts) the third mast from the bow

Word History and Origins

Origin of mizzenmast¹

First recorded in 1375–1425, mizzenmast is from late Middle English meson mast. See mizzen, mast ¹

Example Sentences

Broadside code of conduct man-of-war careen Jolly Roger mizzenmast Brethren of the Coast.

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I find him mopping aft, back toward the mizzenmast, clearing the deck of grime and the occasional brain.

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The Dunmore’s mizzenmast, cracked by shot, collapsed, and took with it the main topmast.

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It was like watching a pirate captain swinging from the mizzenmast, dueling all comers: It was great drama, and it works against almost any team not named the Golden State Warriors.

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There is rope everywhere — running down from the ceiling, coiled underfoot — and it’s easy to imagine you’re standing on the boom of a mizzenmast.

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