ground tackle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Nautical
Quick answer
What does “ground tackle” mean?
The equipment used to anchor a vessel to the seabed, comprising anchors, cables, chains, and connecting gear.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The equipment used to anchor a vessel to the seabed, comprising anchors, cables, chains, and connecting gear.
A collective term for a ship's anchoring system; figuratively, anything that provides security, stability, or a firm foundation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is standard in the nautical vocabulary of both variants. Potential minor differences in associated terms (e.g., 'chain cable' vs. 'anchor chain').
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally rare in general usage but equally standard in nautical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “ground tackle” in a Sentence
The vessel [VERB] its ground tackle.[ADJECTIVE] ground tackle is essential for [NOUN].to [VERB] ground tackleVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ground tackle” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in maritime history, naval architecture, or marine engineering texts.
Everyday
Virtually never used outside of sailing/boating communities.
Technical
Core term in nautical manuals, seamanship, yacht design, and harbour regulations.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ground tackle”
- Treating 'tackle' as a verb in this phrase (e.g., 'to ground tackle a problem'). Using it in non-nautical contexts without clear metaphorical signalling.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. An anchor is one component of ground tackle. Ground tackle refers to the entire system: the anchor(s), chain or rope (rode), shackles, and sometimes the windlass/capstan used to handle it.
Only if you are speaking about boats or using it as a deliberate metaphor. It is a highly specialised term and would sound odd or confusing in general conversation.
It refers to the seabed or ground under the water where the anchor embeds itself. It's the 'ground' the ship is attached to.
No. 'Ground tackle' is exclusively a noun phrase. The related action would be 'to anchor' or 'to moor'.
The equipment used to anchor a vessel to the seabed, comprising anchors, cables, chains, and connecting gear.
Ground tackle is usually technical / nautical in register.
Ground tackle: in British English it is pronounced /ɡraʊnd ˈtæk(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡraʊnd ˈtæk(ə)l/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “She was his ground tackle in the storm of life. (figurative, rare)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a ship needing to be 'grounded' or held to the ground of the sea. 'Tackle' is the gear (like fishing tackle). So, gear that tackles the job of holding you to the ground.
Conceptual Metaphor
STABILITY IS BEING ANCHORED / PREPARATION IS HAVING THE RIGHT TOOLS
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the term 'ground tackle' be MOST appropriately used?