reef point: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical / Nautical
Quick answer
What does “reef point” mean?
A short length of rope attached to a sail, used to reduce the sail's area by tying it to the boom or yard in stormy conditions.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A short length of rope attached to a sail, used to reduce the sail's area by tying it to the boom or yard in stormy conditions.
In nautical contexts, any specific point or part of a system used to secure or reduce something; metaphorically, a critical juncture requiring decisive action to reduce risk.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Purely technical, nautical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare in both British and American English outside of sailing contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “reef point” in a Sentence
The [sailor/crew] tied the [reef point] to the [boom].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reef point” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The skipper ordered us to reef point the mainsail before the squall hit.
- We'll need to reef point on the second reef.
American English
- We should reef point before heading out into this wind.
- He reefed pointed the genoa expertly.
adverb
British English
- The sail was reefed point by point as the gale intensified.
- He worked reef point carefully along the foot of the sail.
American English
- She secured the sail reef point by reef point.
- The crew moved reef point along the boom.
adjective
British English
- The reef-point lines were frayed and needed replacing.
- Check the reef-point diagram in the manual.
American English
- The reef point system on this sloop is very efficient.
- We inspected all the reef-point attachments.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; potential metaphorical use in risk management: 'The market downturn forced the company to find a financial reef point.'
Academic
Only in historical, technical, or maritime studies.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Standard term in sailing, yacht design, and maritime manuals.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “reef point”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “reef point”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reef point”
- Confusing with 'reef knot' (a type of knot).
- Thinking it refers to a geographical location on a coral reef.
- Using 'reef' as a verb without the noun 'point' (e.g., 'We need to reef the sail' is correct; 'We need to reef point' is incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a two-word compound noun, typically hyphenated when used attributively (e.g., 'reef-point line').
Almost never in literal sense. It has limited potential as a metaphor for a critical action point to reduce exposure to risk.
A reef point is a part of a sail. A reef knot (or square knot) is a type of knot used, among other things, to tie the reef points around the sail.
No, only sails designed to be reefed (reduced in size), typically the mainsail and sometimes the foresail (jib/genoa), have them.
A short length of rope attached to a sail, used to reduce the sail's area by tying it to the boom or yard in stormy conditions.
Reef point is usually technical / nautical in register.
Reef point: in British English it is pronounced /ˈriːf ˌpɔɪnt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrif ˌpɔɪnt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To be at a reef point (metaphorical): to be at a critical stage where one must 'reduce sail' or take defensive action.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CORAL REEF that a ship must avoid; a REEF POINT is a point on the sail you use to 'avoid trouble' by making the sail smaller in a storm.
Conceptual Metaphor
SAILING IS COPING WITH DIFFICULTY (e.g., 'reefing the sails' metaphorically means battening down the hatches, taking precautions).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a 'reef point'?