goosewing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare / Technical (Nautical)Highly specialized; used almost exclusively in nautical/maritime contexts, historical fiction, and by sailing enthusiasts.
Quick answer
What does “goosewing” mean?
A part of a fore-and-aft sail set on a boom, typically the mainsail or spanker, when the leech is partially rolled or lashed to the boom, often in strong winds to reduce sail area, leaving the sail's shape resembling a goose's extended wing.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A part of a fore-and-aft sail set on a boom, typically the mainsail or spanker, when the leech is partially rolled or lashed to the boom, often in strong winds to reduce sail area, leaving the sail's shape resembling a goose's extended wing.
In modern nautical contexts, it refers specifically to the practice of setting a sail with its clew well out and its sheet eased, creating a wing-like shape, often done when running before the wind. Historically and in literature, it can evoke imagery of something bent or shaped like a goose's wing.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Usage is consistent across English-speaking maritime communities.
Connotations
Identical nautical/specialized connotation.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialized in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “goosewing” in a Sentence
to goosewing [a sail]to set [sail] goosewinged[sail] is/goes goosewingedVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “goosewing” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We'll need to goosewing the mainsail if this wind increases.
- The mate instructed the crew to goosewing the spanker.
American English
- Let's goosewing the main to steady her on this run.
- They goosewinged the sail to prevent an accidental jibe.
adverb
British English
- They sailed goosewinged down the Solent.
- The ketch ran goosewinged before the gale.
American English
- We travelled goosewinged for most of the afternoon.
- The schooner raced goosewinged towards the harbour.
adjective
British English
- The yacht was making good speed in a goosewinged configuration.
- A goosewinged sail presents a distinctive silhouette.
American English
- They sailed goosewinged through the channel.
- The goosewinged mainsail caught the following breeze perfectly.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical or technical papers on sailing, ship design, or maritime literature.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core usage. Refers to a specific sail-handling technique in sailing.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “goosewing”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “goosewing”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “goosewing”
- Using it as a general term for any part of a sail.
- Using it in non-nautical contexts.
- Confusing 'goosewing' (noun, the sail shape) with 'goosewinged' (adjective/adverb, the state of sailing).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialized nautical term rarely encountered outside sailing, maritime history, or related literature.
'Wing-and-wing' is the more common sailing term for the configuration of having sails set on opposite sides of the vessel (e.g., mainsail to port, jib to starboard). 'Goosewing' often refers more specifically to the shape of an individual fore-and-aft sail (like a mainsail) when its leech is rolled or lashed, creating a wing-like shape. In practice, the terms are frequently used interchangeably.
Yes, in nautical jargon. 'To goosewing a sail' means to set it in the goosewing configuration, typically by securing the leech to the boom.
Almost certainly not. It is a word of very narrow, technical application. Understanding it is only necessary for reading specialized texts or engaging deeply with sailing.
A part of a fore-and-aft sail set on a boom, typically the mainsail or spanker, when the leech is partially rolled or lashed to the boom, often in strong winds to reduce sail area, leaving the sail's shape resembling a goose's extended wing.
Goosewing is usually highly specialized; used almost exclusively in nautical/maritime contexts, historical fiction, and by sailing enthusiasts. in register.
Goosewing: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡuːsˌwɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡuːsˌwɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To sail goosewinged (meaning to proceed with sails set wing-and-wing, often implying a fast downwind run).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a GOOSE with one WING fully stretched out. Now imagine a sail let out far to one side, mimicking that wing's shape when sailing downwind.
Conceptual Metaphor
SAIL IS A BIRD'S WING (specifically a goose's). The shape and function of the deployed sail is mapped onto the image of an extended wing for flight.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary context for the word 'goosewing'?