Definition

Describing something that does not have a tall vertical structure, typically used in reference to boats or ships that lack a mast.

Example

The old ship lay mastless on the shore, abandoned and forgotten.

Conversation

Did you see that boat out on the lake?

Yeah, it looked so strange being mastless like that.

I wonder how it got out there without a mast.

Maybe it’s just for decoration or something.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Mastless → It is formed from "mast" (from Old English *mæst*, meaning a pole or spar of a ship) and "-less" (meaning without). The word "mastless" means without a mast, typically referring to a ship or vessel that lacks this essential structure.

Memory Tip

Imagine a ship that is 'without' ('-less') its 'pole' or 'spar' ('mast') — that's why mastless describes a vessel missing its mast.

Visually Confused Words