rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryyawlSmall ship's boat
noun

yawl

YAWL/jɔːl/

A small ship's boat propelled by oars or sails.

The yawl carries a mainmast and a smaller mast near the stern.

An isolated sailing yawl in clear side view, with one tall mainmast and a much smaller mizzen mast at the stern, visibly aft of the steering position.
Etymology
yawlDutchJutland boat

Dutch jol apparently underlies this boat name, though Middle Low German jolle is another possible source and the deeper origin is uncertain. The English sense here specifies a two-masted sailing boat with a small rear mast.

More examples

  • Two men rowed the yawl toward the beach.
  • The ship towed a small yawl behind it.
  • The yawl carried a simple sail as well as oars.

Forms

yawl · yawls

Similar words

dinghy
A dinghy is a small boat often carried by a larger vessel; yawl is another traditional small-boat term in this sense.
tender
A tender serves a larger vessel; a yawl can perform that role.