dolphin striker: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical / Nautical / Historical
Quick answer
What does “dolphin striker” mean?
A short spar fitted perpendicularly under the bowsprit of a sailing ship, used to provide downward tension on the jibboom.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A short spar fitted perpendicularly under the bowsprit of a sailing ship, used to provide downward tension on the jibboom.
In nautical terminology, a structural component on sailing vessels that acts as a spreader to brace the jibboom and martingale stays, preventing upward movement. It is a defining feature of traditional ship rigging.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is equally archaic and specialized in both variants.
Connotations
Evokes the Age of Sail, historical ships, maritime museums, and traditional boatbuilding.
Frequency
Exclusively used in historical nautical contexts, by shipwrights, maritime historians, or enthusiasts. Not used in contemporary everyday language.
Grammar
How to Use “dolphin striker” in a Sentence
[Ship/Vessel] + has/fitted with + a dolphin striker.The dolphin striker + supports/braces + the jibboom.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used only in historical, maritime archaeology, or naval architecture papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary domain. Used in sailing ship manuals, restoration guides, and among traditional boatbuilders.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dolphin striker”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dolphin striker”
- Pronouncing 'striker' as in football (/'straɪkə/ is correct).
- Using it in any non-nautical context.
- Confusing it with other spar names like 'bowsprit' or 'jibboom'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The etymology is uncertain but likely comes from nautical architecture, possibly from the French 'dauphin' or a structural name, not the marine mammal.
On traditional sailing vessels with a bowsprit and jibboom, such as schooners, brigs, and clipper ships from the Age of Sail.
Generally no. Modern sailing yachts rarely have the traditional bowsprit and jibboom rigging that requires a dolphin striker.
It could compromise the rigidity of the bowsprit assembly, potentially allowing the jibboom to lift and damaging the forestays, which could lead to the loss of a foresail.
A short spar fitted perpendicularly under the bowsprit of a sailing ship, used to provide downward tension on the jibboom.
Dolphin striker is usually technical / nautical / historical in register.
Dolphin striker: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɒlfɪn ˌstraɪkə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɑːlfɪn ˌstraɪkər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a DOLPHIN leaping and STRIKING its nose on the underside of a ship's long bowsprit. This 'striking dolphin' is the short, strong spar holding it down.
Conceptual Metaphor
None in common usage. Technically, it is a 'tensioner' or 'brace'.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a dolphin striker?