log ship: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Historical / Technical / Nautical
Quick answer
What does “log ship” mean?
A traditional method of measuring a ship's speed, consisting of a wooden float attached to a line knotted at regular intervals, thrown from a moving vessel.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A traditional method of measuring a ship's speed, consisting of a wooden float attached to a line knotted at regular intervals, thrown from a moving vessel.
In modern usage, the term can refer to the record of a ship's voyage (the ship's log) or be used as a historical reference to the act of measuring speed using the traditional method.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Both varieties use it as a historical/technical term.
Connotations
Connotes historical sailing practice, seamanship, and traditional navigation.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in modern usage; found almost exclusively in historical or specialist texts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “log ship” in a Sentence
to log ship [object]the log ship + verb (was used, measured, etc.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “log ship” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The log-ship method was essential for navigation.
- They studied log-ship construction.
American English
- The log-ship technique was crucial for navigation.
- They researched log-ship design.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical or maritime history papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used in nautical archaeology, historical ship replication, or traditional sailing manuals.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “log ship”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “log ship”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “log ship”
- Confusing 'log ship' (the device) with 'ship's log' (the written record). Using it as a verb phrase (e.g., 'to log ship' is archaic).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an archaic, technical term primarily encountered in historical contexts or literature about traditional sailing.
A 'log ship' is the physical device thrown into the water to measure speed. A 'ship's log' is the written record of the voyage, including speed, course, and events.
The original speed-measuring device was a literal piece of wood (a log) attached to a line. The term 'log' was later extended to the record book where the measurements were written.
Not in modern English. The historical action was 'to heave the log' or 'to stream the log.'
A traditional method of measuring a ship's speed, consisting of a wooden float attached to a line knotted at regular intervals, thrown from a moving vessel.
Log ship is usually historical / technical / nautical in register.
Log ship: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɒɡ ˌʃɪp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɔːɡ ˌʃɪp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “by the log (by measurement)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a LOG of wood being SHIPPED overboard to measure how fast the SHIP is going.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEASUREMENT IS A RECORD (the log records the speed).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a 'log ship'?