spinnaker

[ spin-uh-ker ]

noun

, Nautical.

1. a large, usually triangular sail carried by a yacht as a headsail when running before the wind or when the wind is abaft the beam.

spinnaker

/ ˈspɪnəkə; ˈspæŋkə /

noun

1. a large light triangular racing sail set from the foremast of a yacht when running or on a broad reach

Word History and Origins

Origin of spinnaker¹

First recorded in 1865–70; said to be alteration of Sphinx, name of the first yacht making regular use of this sail

Word History and Origins

Origin of spinnaker¹

C19: probably from spin + ( mo ) niker , but traditionally derived from Sphinx, the yacht that first adopted this type of sail

Example Sentences

The new algorithm was over 100 times faster at image recognition while consuming just a fraction of the power SpiNNaker consumes.

From Singularity Hub 

The breeze kept up, and the spinnaker was carried on 'Britannia' until Cape Barfleur lights were made out right ahead.

From Project Gutenberg

A spinnaker is a very handy sail, and preferable to a squaresail in light weather.

From Project Gutenberg

Spinnaker: A modern adaptation of a jib-shaped sail, often seen set from the top masthead and boomed out from the mast.

From Project Gutenberg

At the end of half an hour, while we were preparing to set the spinnaker, with a few sickly gasps the wind would die away.

From Project Gutenberg

But that little craft, her big spinnaker filled by the southeast trade, was making a good race of it.

From Project Gutenberg