Definition

A type of sailboat that has a wide beam and carries a single sail on a mast that is placed towards the front. It often has a centerboard, making it suitable for shallow waters.

Example

The catboat glided smoothly across the lake, its single sail catching the wind perfectly.

Conversation

Have you ever seen a catboat before?

Yeah, they're pretty unique with that broad beam.

I want to try sailing one this summer.

That sounds like a great idea; they’re fun to sail!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Catboat is formed from "cat" (from Middle English *catte*, meaning a small, light boat) and "boat" (from Old English *bat*, meaning a small vessel). The term refers to a type of small sailing vessel that is typically rigged with a single mast and a cat-like hull design.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'small, light boat' ('cat') combined with 'vessel' ('boat') to remember that a catboat is a type of small sailing vessel.

Visually Confused Words