sternway

[sturn-wey]

noun

1. Nautical.,  the movement of a vessel backward, or stern foremost.

sternway

/ ˈstɜːnˌweɪ /

noun

1. nautical movement of a vessel sternforemost

Word History and Origins

Origin of sternway¹

First recorded in 1760–70; stern ² + way ¹

Example Sentences

Mr. Denny said, “Craziest thing I’ve ever seen, sir. Hardly enough wind to make sternway, and the waves are pounding us to pieces.”

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It now remained to be seen whether she would gather sternway before her sharp stem crashed into the other destroyer amidships.

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With a sickening jerk, as if the little craft were parting amidships, the patrol-boat stopped and gathered sternway.

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Then taking sternway she backed on her enemy, and the rigging and an anchor becoming entangled, she could not get off.

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The ship was now gathering sternway, drifting rapidly to lee'ard the while.

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