A small sailboat with a single mast positioned near the bow and a large mainsail, designed for ease and safety in sailing.
From 'cat' (likely from 'cathead,' the wooden beam on ship bows) + 'boat.' The catboat design became popular in 19th-century America, particularly in coastal New England, as a practical small craft.
The catboat's name probably comes from the nautical 'cathead' beam, and these boats became so beloved that they're still built and raced today—they're basically the 'smart design' of sailing because one person can sail and manage them.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.