two-masted

A two-masted schooner sails on the calm sea.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having two masts: "two-masted" describes a sailing vessel that is equipped with exactly two masts (vertical poles that support sails).
   • Related concept: In nautical terminology, a "two-masted" ship is a common type of sailing vessel, such as a brig, schooner, or ketch, depending on the arrangement and size of the masts.

Usage Examples

• (Describes a type of sailing ship with two masts.)
• (Indicates the vessel has two masts.)
• (Refers to a historical ship type.)

Advanced Usage

• "two-masted rig": a specific arrangement of sails and masts on a vessel with two masts.

  • The two-masted rig of a ketch differs from that of a schooner in mast height and sail plan. (Describes the technical configuration.)

• "two-masted vessel": a formal or technical term for any ship or boat with two masts.

  • Maritime museums often display models of two-masted vessels from the Age of Sail. (Used in a scholarly context.)

Variants and Related Words

• Mast (n): a tall upright post on a ship that supports sails.

  • The ship's main mast broke during the storm. (The primary vertical pole.)

• Three-masted (adj): having three masts.

  • The three-masted clipper ship was faster than its two-masted counterparts. (A comparative term.)

Synonyms

• Double-masted: an alternative term with the same meaning.

  • The double-masted yacht was easy to maneuver. (Equivalent to "two-masted".)

• Bimasted: a rare, technical synonym.

  • The bimasted design is common in small fishing boats. (Less common but correct.)

Related Idioms

• "Two-masted" is not commonly used in idioms, but it appears in nautical descriptions and historical contexts.

Phrasal Verbs

• None directly associated with "two-masted", as it is an adjective. However, related nautical phrasal verbs include:
  • Mast up: to raise or install a mast.

    • The crew masted up the schooner before setting sail. (They erected the masts.)