Definition

A type of sailing ship with two or more masts, where the foremast is rigged with square sails and the mainmast is rigged with fore-and-aft sails.

Example

The old barquentine sailed gracefully across the bay, its sails catching the wind.

Conversation

Have you ever seen a barquentine in person?

No, I haven't! What exactly is a barquentine?

It's a type of sailing ship with two or more masts, and it looks really cool.

That sounds fascinating! I'd love to see one on the water.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Barquentine → The word is derived from the French 'barque' (meaning a small ship) and the suffix '-tine' (a diminutive suffix). A barquentine is a type of sailing vessel that is smaller than a full-sized ship, typically with a specific rigging configuration.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'small ship' ('barque') when you hear 'barquentine' — it helps you remember that a barquentine is a type of smaller sailing vessel.

Visually Confused Words