yacht
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /jˈɒt/
US
- /ˈjɑt/
Description
- pleasure boat
- private boat
- luxury vessel
- sailing or motor craft
Imagine sparkling blue water and the sun warming your face from the deck of a beautiful boat. A yacht is not just any boat; it is usually a private boat used for pleasure, travel, or racing. The word often suggests comfort, free time, and sometimes wealth. You might see one in a famous harbor, out on a holiday cruise, or taking part in a race on the sea. The word comes from the Dutch jacht, which was first used for a fast boat.
A yacht is a boat used mainly for pleasure rather than for transport or fishing. It is often privately owned and is usually more comfortable, stylish, or better equipped than an ordinary small boat. Today, the word is most often used for boats that people use for relaxing trips, holidays, entertaining guests, or racing.
Yachts come in many sizes and styles. Sailing yachts move with the wind and have masts and sails, while motor yachts use engines. Some are small enough for a family day trip, while others are very large and may include cabins, dining areas, and a crew. Very large and extremely expensive ones are often called superyachts.
The word is often connected with leisure, the sea, and sometimes luxury. You might read about celebrities spending time on one, hear about yacht races, or see them in coastal towns and marinas. The phrase "yacht rock" also exists, referring to a smooth style of soft rock music linked with a relaxed seaside image.
So, while every yacht is a boat, not every boat is a yacht. The word brings to mind sunlit decks, sea air, and life on open water, often with a feeling of comfort, freedom, and adventure.
Examples
- 1
Leisure
They spent the weekend on a friend's yacht.
- 2
Harbor scene
A line of yachts was anchored just outside the harbor.
- 3
Luxury sales
She works for a company that sells luxury yachts to overseas buyers.
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- yachtnounverb
Forms
- yachtspluralnounverb