cathead: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare / TechnicalTechnical, Maritime, Industrial
Quick answer
What does “cathead” mean?
A heavy, horizontal beam extending forward over the side of a ship, used to support and secure an anchor when not in use.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A heavy, horizontal beam extending forward over the side of a ship, used to support and secure an anchor when not in use.
In industrial contexts, a beam or projection serving as a support or mount for a pulley or hoisting equipment, especially on large machinery or drilling rigs.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Pronunciation may differ slightly (see IPA). The term is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Purely technical, with strong associations to traditional maritime culture, sailing ships, and heavy industry.
Frequency
Virtually unused outside of specific maritime, historical, or industrial contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “cathead” in a Sentence
The cathead [supports/hoists/held] the anchor.Secure the chain to the [port/starboard] cathead.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, maritime, or engineering texts discussing ship design.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Primary context. Used in maritime operations, shipbuilding, and certain heavy machinery manuals.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cathead”
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cathead”
- Using it to refer to a cat's head.
- Thinking it is a common or modern word.
- Misspelling as 'cat head' (two words).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The 'cat' in 'cathead' comes from an old nautical term for a type of hoisting tackle, not the animal.
It would be understood by professional mariners and those on traditional sailing vessels, but it is a highly specific term not used in everyday conversation.
No, it is exclusively a noun. There is no verb form 'to cathead'.
No, it is a very rare, technical term. Most native English speakers would not know its meaning without a maritime or historical background.
A heavy, horizontal beam extending forward over the side of a ship, used to support and secure an anchor when not in use.
Cathead is usually technical, maritime, industrial in register.
Cathead: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkatˌhɛd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkætˌhɛd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a cat with its head poking out over the side of a ship, but instead of a cat, it's a heavy wooden beam 'head' that holds the anchor.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A. The term is almost exclusively literal.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a cathead?