rhumb
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of rhumb
1570–80; < Spanish rumbo < Latin rhombus rhombus
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.
Before the days of GPS, sailors often charted nautical courses using what’s called a rhumb line.
From Slate ● Jan. 21, 2026
The Mercator map is arguably the best for this purpose, because it straightens out spiraling rhumb lines, and that’s why it rose to dominance.
From Slate ● Jan. 21, 2026
They are known for distinctive rhumb lines that radiate out from various points in the ocean in the direction of wind or compass points to help navigators plot their course.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 25, 2023
To ensure that every cartouche, sea monster and rhumb line remains vibrant, the men keep the Venetian blinds in their south-facing apartment drawn, as if for a permanent siesta.
From New York Times ● Jan. 23, 2014
"The rhumb course to the Channel," groaned Elisha, wildly.
From "Where Angels Fear to Tread" and Other Stories of the Sea by Robertson, Morgan
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.
