noun
schooner
SKOO-ner/ˈskuːnər/
A sailing vessel with two or more masts and a foremast shorter than the mainmast.
The schooner sails into the harbor with its white sails raised.
Etymology
The vessel name may come from a New England verb related to Scottish scon, meaning to send over water or skip stones. That possible naming connection remains uncertain.
In context
But this schooner was alone. Her jib and foresail were set as she fought her way through the storm
More examples
- On this schooner, the foremast is shorter than the mainmast.
- We charter a schooner for a weekend sailing trip.
- Two schooners lie at anchor near the island.
Forms
schooner · schooners
Similar words
- sailboat
- A broader term that also includes boats with one mast.
- ship
- Usually a larger vessel, not necessarily powered by sails.