multihull: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Specialised
Quick answer
What does “multihull” mean?
A sailboat or ship with more than one hull (e.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A sailboat or ship with more than one hull (e.g., a catamaran or trimaran).
Any vessel or floating structure consisting of two or more parallel hulls connected by a deck or other structure. In a broader, sometimes metaphorical sense, it can refer to any multi-part or complex foundational structure.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic differences. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Slight preference in British English for the term 'catamaran' over the generic 'multihull' in casual sailing talk, though 'multihull' is standard in technical contexts in both regions.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties, confined to nautical communities and related media.
Grammar
How to Use “multihull” in a Sentence
[determiner] + multihullmultihull + [prepositional phrase: e.g., with twin hulls][adjective] + multihullVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “multihull” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - not used as a verb.
American English
- N/A - not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A - not used as an adverb.
American English
- N/A - not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The multihull concept has revolutionised modern cruising.
American English
- He's a specialist in multihull racing tactics.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, used in yacht brokerage, marine insurance, or boat manufacturing.
Academic
Used in naval architecture, maritime engineering, and maritime history papers.
Everyday
Very rare outside of conversations among sailors or boating enthusiasts.
Technical
The primary register. Used in sailing manuals, boat specifications, and design discussions.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “multihull”
- Mispronouncing as /ˈmʌltaɪˌhʌl/ (like 'multi' in 'multiply'). Incorrectly using it as a verb (e.g., 'to multihull'). Confusing it with 'multihulled', which is the adjective form.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, yes, especially on reaching and downwind points of sail, due to reduced wetted surface area and greater potential for a wider, more stable platform for sail carrying.
Catamarans (two hulls) and trimarans (three hulls) are the most common. Proas (an asymmetrical design with different-shaped hulls) are another type.
Modern, well-designed, and well-sailed multihulls are very seaworthy. However, their safety characteristics differ from monohulls. They are highly resistant to heeling but a complete capsize (though rare) is a more serious event.
Absolutely. Cruising catamarans and trimarans are famous for their spacious living areas, stability at anchor (which reduces seasickness), and shallow draft, allowing access to anchorages monohulls cannot reach.
A sailboat or ship with more than one hull (e.
Multihull is usually technical/specialised in register.
Multihull: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmʌltiˌhʌl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmʌltiˌhʌl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No established idioms.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'MULTIple HULLs' = MULTIHULL.
Conceptual Metaphor
A stable platform (due to its wide base). A fast, efficient system (metaphor for a business or process).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary defining feature of a multihull?