Nautical means relating to ships, sailing, or navigation on the sea. When something is described as nautical, it has to do with the world of seafaring and ocean travel.

You'll encounter this word when reading about sailing ships, ocean voyages, or naval history. A nautical chart is a special map sailors use to navigate the ocean, showing water depths, coastlines, and hazards like underwater rocks. Nautical miles are the units sailors use to measure distance at sea (they're slightly longer than regular miles because they're based on the Earth's circumference). Museums sometimes have nautical exhibits displaying old compasses, ship wheels, and navigation instruments.

The word captures everything connected to life at sea: nautical terms like “starboard” and “port,” nautical equipment like anchors and sails, even nautical clothing like the striped shirts sailors traditionally wear. Interior designers use nautical themes when decorating with ship wheels, rope, and navy blue colors to evoke the feeling of being on the ocean.