marline: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2/RareTechnical (Nautical)
Quick answer
What does “marline” mean?
A light two-stranded rope (or line), often tarred, used on a ship for binding, seizing, or whipping larger ropes, sails, or cables.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A light two-stranded rope (or line), often tarred, used on a ship for binding, seizing, or whipping larger ropes, sails, or cables.
Any similar small, strong cordage used for seizing or binding in maritime or rigging contexts; the specific technique of binding with such line.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage, as it is a specialised international nautical term. The verb form 'marline'/'marlin' is slightly more documented in British maritime writings.
Connotations
Strongly associated with traditional sailing ships, rigging, and seamanship in both varieties. The term evokes a historical or hands-on technical craft.
Frequency
Exceedingly rare in general English in both varieties. Frequency is confined to technical nautical manuals, historical fiction, and among sailing enthusiasts. No measurable difference between UK/US general usage.
Grammar
How to Use “marline” in a Sentence
N + with + marline (bind the strop with marline)to marline + N (to marline a splice)a coil of marlineVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “marline” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The bosun taught us how to properly marline the eye splice to protect it from chafe.
- After serving the cable, they marlined it tightly.
American English
- We need to marline these shrouds before the race.
- The traditional method is to marline the bundle with a herringbone stitch.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial use.
American English
- No standard adverbial use.
adjective
British English
- He reached for the marline spike from his belt.
- The marline hitch is essential for this lashing.
American English
- Pass me that marline needle, please.
- She demonstrated the proper tension for a marline seizing.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used only in historical, maritime, or material culture studies.
Everyday
Extremely unlikely to be encountered or used.
Technical
Primary domain. Used in sailing manuals, rigging instructions, boatbuilding, and historical ship preservation.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “marline”
- Confusing spelling with 'marlin' (the fish).
- Using it as a general term for any rope.
- Mispronouncing as /mɑːrˈlaɪn/ (like the fish).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Marline is a specific type of line: it's typically two-stranded, left-laid, and often tarred. It's designed for seizing, whipping, and lashing, not for heavy lifting or mooring like a hawser.
Yes, though it's rare. 'To marline' means to bind or seize something with marline, e.g., 'to marline a splice'.
Yes, primarily in traditional sailing, historical reenactment, and by purists in boatbuilding. Synthetic twines and tapes have largely replaced it in modern yachting, but it's valued for its authenticity and specific working properties.
A marlinespike (or marlinspike) is a pointed metal tool used to separate strands of rope for splicing. It is named for its use in working with marline and similar lines.
A light two-stranded rope (or line), often tarred, used on a ship for binding, seizing, or whipping larger ropes, sails, or cables.
Marline is usually technical (nautical) in register.
Marline: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɑːlɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɑːrlɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to the word.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a MARINE on the LINE (marline) of a ship, using a small rope to tie things down.
Conceptual Metaphor
BINDING/SEIZING (Abstract: The act of securing or finishing something firmly, like 'marlining an agreement').
Practice
Quiz
What is 'marline' primarily used for?