Definition

1. Noun:

   • A sailing vessel with two masts: A type of boat where the smaller mizzen mast is located aft (toward the rear) of the rudder post.
   • A ship's small boat: A small boat carried by a larger ship, typically propelled by four or six oars.

2. Verb:

   • To emit long loud cries: To utter a prolonged, loud, mournful cry.
   • To wail in self-pity; to howl with sorrow: To cry out loudly, expressing grief, pain, or lamentation.

Examples

• Noun:

  • The old yawl, with its distinctive two masts, was a common sight in the harbor.
  • The crew lowered the yawl to row ashore for supplies.

• Verb:

  • The wounded animal began to yawl in the darkness.
  • She would yawl with sorrow whenever she heard that sad song.

Advanced Usage

• Nautical Context: In sailing terminology, a "yawl" is specifically rigged with the mizzen mast stepped abaft (behind) the vessel's rudder post, which distinguishes it from a similar "ketch."
  • The sailor explained that the key difference between a ketch and a yawl is the placement of the mizzen mast relative to the rudder post.

Variants and Related Words

• Yawling (verb, present participle): The act of crying out loudly.
  • The yawling of the wind through the trees sounded eerie.
• Yawler (noun, rare): One who yawls or a type of boat (less common).
  • The old fisherman was known as a yawler for his loud, lamenting songs.

Synonyms

• Noun (boat): Dinghy, tender, jolly boat.
• Verb (cry): Howl, wail, bawl, lament, ululate.

Related Phrases

• To set up a yawl: To begin crying or wailing loudly (idiomatic).
  • The toddler set up a yawl when his toy was taken away.

Notes on Different Meanings

• The two primary meanings of "yawl" are entirely distinct: one is a specific nautical term for a boat, and the other is a verb describing a vocal expression of distress. They are homographs (same spelling, different origin and meaning).

Noun

1. a sailing vessel with two masts; a small mizzen is aft of the rudderpost
2. a ship's small boat (usually rowed by 4 or 6 oars)

Verb

1. emit long loud cries
   • wail in self-pity
   • howl with sorrow