Sloop

Pronunciation

• enPR: sloÍžop, IPA: /sluːp/
• Rhymes: -uːp

Origin

From Dutch sloep, from Middle Dutch sloepen ("to glide").

Noun

1. (nautical) A single-masted sailboat with only one headsail.
• 1789, Olaudah Equiano (Gustavus Vassa), The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano,I stayed in this island for a few days; I believe it could not be above a fortnight; when I and some few more slaves, that were not saleable amongst the rest, from very much fretting, were shipped off in a sloop for North America.
• 1898, Winston Churchill, The Celebrity Chapter 10, Mr. Cooke had had a sloop yacht built at Far Harbor, the completion of which had been delayed, and which was but just delivered.
2. (military) A sailing warship, smaller than a frigate, with its guns all on one deck.
3. A sloop of war, smaller than a frigate, larger than a corvette.

Anagrams

• loops, polos, pools, spool